Prison officers could get powers to down drones

PRISON officers could be given powers to bring down drones under plans backed by MSPs.

The UK Government has proposed measures to tackle the problem of drugs and other contraband being flown into prison yards.

The proposals need the consent of the Scottish parliament because prisons are a devolved issue.

Yesterday, Holyrood’s justice committee unanimously passed a legislative consent memorandum approving the plans, with a final vote to follow over the next week.

The Scottish Government recommended that MSPs give their backing to the Air Traffic Management And Unmanned Aircraft Bill. It means police and prison officers will get new powers and be allowed to intercept drones if they are used for unlawful activities, such as smuggling in contraband. Last year, it was disclosed that drones have been spotted flying over Scottish prisons 24 times in three years.

Packages recovered from the devices have contained cannabis, steroids, weapons and mobile phones. Drones have been seen within the perimeter of Barlinnie in Glasgow and prisons in Edinburgh, Inverness, Dumfries, Perth, HMP Grampian in Peterhead, and Polmont, near Falkirk.

Figures released by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) show Barlinnie had the highest number of sightings, at seven. A package dropped into the prison grounds in 2018 contained two hand wrenches.

An SPS spokesman said: ‘We continue to work with our partners in Police Scotland and other agencies to target those who attempt to introduce contraband into our prisons.’