On the evening of August 10, 2025, a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes crime drama unfolded near HMP Long Lartin, a high-security prison nestled in Evesham, England. At 9:30 pm, West Mercia Police officers spotted a drone hovering over the prison grounds—a sight that’s become all too familiar in recent years as criminals turn to technology to outwit traditional security measures. What followed was a swift and coordinated police operation that led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of contraband believed to be destined for inmates.
According to reports from BirminghamLive and corroborated by police statements, the drone’s flight was anything but innocent. Officers quickly traced a suspicious vehicle thought to be linked to the airborne device. The chase intensified as the vehicle sped away, culminating in officers deploying a stinger on the A46 near the Simon De Montfort Bridge. The maneuver brought the pursuit to a dramatic halt. Once the car was stopped, a search revealed a drone battery and a stash of cannabis inside—clear evidence that the drone was being used as a smuggling tool.
But the story didn’t end there. The police dog unit was called in to comb the surrounding area, and their keen noses led officers to a hidden drone and additional items nearby. The operation resulted in the arrest of two men, aged 25 and 28, on suspicion of conspiracy to convey prohibited items into a prison. They are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Detective Chief Inspector James Bamber, who oversaw the operation, commented on the arrests and the ongoing battle against drone-enabled smuggling. 22We currently have two people in police custody after officers successfully intercepted a suspect vehicle linked to a drone sighting over HMP Long Lartin. Contraband believed to be intended for behind the prison walls was seized from the car along with a drone. We are continuing in our efforts to detect and disrupt drone activity over the prison, and build a greater intelligence picture to ultimately dismantle the organised crime groups behind the operations.22
This incident is far from isolated. The use of drones to deliver drugs, mobile phones, and other contraband into prisons has surged across the United Kingdom. According to the Prison Service, there was a staggering 43 percent increase in drone incidents at prisons during the last financial year. Such numbers have set off alarm bells among law enforcement and corrections officials, who warn that these technological intrusions can undermine prison safety, fuel criminal networks, and make rehabilitation even more challenging.
In response to this escalating threat, the Prison Service announced a significant investment last month: a3900,000 earmarked specifically to disrupt the inflow of drugs, weapons, and other illicit items via drones. The funding is part of a broader strategy to enhance prison security, which includes deploying new detection technologies, training staff to identify and respond to drone threats, and working closely with local police forces to share intelligence on organized crime groups operating in and around prisons.
The battle against drone smuggling is complex, with criminal organizations demonstrating remarkable adaptability. Drones can be flown remotely, often at night, and can carry small but valuable payloads that are dropped with precision into prison yards or through open windows. The anonymity and agility offered by these devices make them a favorite tool for those seeking to bypass traditional prison walls and security checks.
But law enforcement agencies are fighting back with a combination of technology, canine units, and good old-fashioned police work. The incident at HMP Long Lartin is a testament to the effectiveness of rapid response and coordination. The deployment of a stinger—a device designed to puncture vehicle tires—demonstrates the lengths to which police are now going to intercept suspects before they can escape or dispose of evidence.
For the officers involved, the operation was not just about seizing illegal items but also about sending a clear message to those orchestrating these schemes. Detective Chief Inspector Bamber emphasized the broader implications: 22We are continuing in our efforts to detect and disrupt drone activity over the prison, and build a greater intelligence picture to ultimately dismantle the organised crime groups behind the operations.22 The focus, he says, is not only on the individuals caught red-handed but on the wider criminal networks that profit from smuggling and perpetuate cycles of addiction and violence within prison walls.
Community involvement is also being encouraged as part of the crackdown on drone-enabled crime. Police and the Prison Service have highlighted the role of anonymous tip lines like Crimestoppers, which allows members of the public to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal. As a police spokesperson explained, 22If a drone isn’t currently airborne, but you have information and don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can report anonymously through Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address.22 The hope is that increased vigilance and reporting from local residents will help build the intelligence needed to disrupt future attempts.
The surge in drone incidents has also prompted a wider debate about prison security and the evolving tactics of organized crime. Some argue that the prison system must invest even more in anti-drone technologies, such as signal jammers and radar detection systems, while others stress the importance of addressing the root causes of demand for contraband inside prisons. The government’s recent funding boost is seen as a step in the right direction, but many believe that a multi-pronged approach—combining technology, intelligence, and rehabilitation programs—is essential to stem the tide.
Meanwhile, for the staff and inmates at HMP Long Lartin and other high-security prisons, the threat posed by drones is a daily reality. Each new incident serves as a reminder that the battle for control over what enters prison walls is ongoing—and that criminals are constantly seeking new ways to outsmart the system. The events of August 10 highlight both the dangers and the determination of those tasked with keeping prisons secure.
As the investigation into the HMP Long Lartin incident continues, police are urging anyone with information about drone activity around prisons to come forward, stressing that even the smallest tip could make a difference. With organized crime groups showing no sign of letting up, it’s clear that the fight against drone smuggling will require vigilance, innovation, and cooperation from all corners of society.
For now, the successful interception on the A46 and the arrests that followed mark a victory for law enforcement—but the broader struggle to keep contraband out of prisons, and to keep inmates and staff safe, is far from over.