In a dramatic incident that unfolded just after midnight on Tuesday, August 20, Lancashire Police were called to HMP Wymott prison in Leyland to reports of a drone flying close to the prison’s walls. The incident led to a high-speed chase and a subsequent crash of a suspicious vehicle, resulting in the arrest of two men and the discovery of a large quantity of Class A drugs and mobile phones.
According to eyewitnesses, the drone was seen flying near the prison’s perimeter fence around 12:25 am. Police officers were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they noticed a suspicious vehicle speeding away from the area. The vehicle, which was described as a black car, was pursued by police at high speed before it crashed and overturned on a nearby road.
Following the crash, the two occupants of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. However, with the help of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Drone Team and Police Dog Buzz, one of the men was quickly located hiding underneath a nearby caravan and arrested. The second man was found hiding under a truck and was also taken into custody.
The two arrested men, aged 26 and 18, were taken to a local police station for questioning. The 26-year-old man from Leeds was charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and dangerous driving. The 18-year-old man from Hyde, Greater Manchester was charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
Both men remain in custody as the investigation continues. The police have seized a large quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs and several mobile phones as evidence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting drone regulations and the consequences of breaking the law.
It is an offense to fly drones within 400 meters of a closed prison or young offender institution. Those found breaking this rule can face fines of up to £2,500. Additionally, those found using drones to smuggle illicit items can face up to 10 years in prison.
The police are working closely with the Prison Service to take positive action against those breaking the law. “We will continue to work closely with the Prison Service and positive action will be taken against those breaking the law,” said a police spokesperson. “If you have any information about drones in the ‘no fly zone’, call 101. If you see one, dial 999.”
The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of respecting drone regulations and the consequences of breaking the law. The police and prison authorities will continue to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The use of drones to smuggle illicit items is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies around the world. Drones are increasingly being used to transport drugs, weapons, and other illegal items into prisons and other secure facilities. The ease with which drones can be used to evade detection and the difficulty of intercepting them make them an attractive option for criminals.
However, the use of drones to smuggle illicit items is not only illegal, but it also poses a significant threat to public safety. The drugs and other illegal items being smuggled into prisons can lead to violence, gang activity, and other criminal behavior. The use of drones to smuggle weapons and other dangerous items can also lead to serious harm or even death.
In addition to the legal consequences, the use of drones to smuggle illicit items can also have serious consequences for the individuals involved. Those caught using drones to smuggle illegal items can face serious criminal charges, including drug trafficking and weapons offenses. They can also face fines and imprisonment.
The incident at HMP Wymott is a stark reminder of the importance of respecting drone regulations and the consequences of breaking the law. The police and prison authorities will continue to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The use of drones to smuggle illicit items is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies around the world. The ease with which drones can be used to evade detection and the difficulty of intercepting them make them an attractive option for criminals. However, the use of drones to smuggle illicit items is not only illegal, but it also poses a significant threat to public safety.
The police and prison authorities will continue to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The use of drones to smuggle illicit items is a serious offense that can have serious consequences for those involved. The police and prison authorities will continue to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident at HMP Wymott is a stark reminder of the importance of respecting drone regulations and the consequences of breaking the law. The police and prison authorities will continue to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The use of drones to smuggle illicit items is a serious offense that can have serious consequences for those involved.