The government has announced £900,000 of investment in a nationwide crackdown on drone drops into prisons.

The move is designed to disrupt the in-flow of drugs and weapons coming into prisons.

£40 million has already been invested into prison security measures this year, including exterior netting and reinforced windows.

New data has revealed that there were 1,712 drone incidents between April 2024 and March 2025 at prisons across England and Wales. This is an increase of 43 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

Counter-drone operations at HMPs Manchester and Wandsworth have led to the arrests of nine people.

One drone recovered at HMP Wandsworth had a value of £6,000, an extended flight time of 40 minutes and the ability to hold four loads at one time.

Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, said: "The ease with which drones were operating over prisons was yet another sign of the chaotic prison system we inherited last July.

"As part of the Plan for Change, we are tackling the organised crime gangs behind the drug supply routes so that our prisons can start cutting crime and stop creating better criminals."

Detective Superintendent of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Claire McGuire said: "Tackling the use of drones to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other illicit items into prisons is one of our top priorities. These activities fuel organised crime and pose serious risks to both staff and inmates.

"We continue to work closely with national partners including His Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service, the National Crime Agency, local police forces, and intelligence teams to disrupt this criminal behaviour and prevent contraband from entering prison estates. By sharing intelligence and coordinating operations, we are strengthening our collective response to this growing threat."