Two men have been jailed for using a drone to smuggle drugs and contraband into a Nottinghamshire prison.
Jordan Lee, of Northampton, and Keanu Barnett, of Coventry, were sentenced to 18 months and 14 months respectively for their roles in the conspiracy, which took place in 2020.
Police investigations led to Barnett’s home in Coventry, where officers discovered a drone, cannabis, tobacco, cigarette papers, mobile phones, and a SIM card. Further evidence revealed the drone was flown near HMP Ranby on the same day as the raid on Barnett’s property.
Messages between the pair confirmed that Lee had travelled to Barnett’s home before they drove to the prison to execute the smuggling operation. A secret mobile phone found in the prison contained details of bank transactions linking the inmates to Lee and Barnett.
Despite remaining silent during police interviews, extensive evidence secured guilty pleas from both men. They were sentenced on 4 December at Warwick Crown Court.
PC James Rees from Coventry Proactive CID described the investigation as “lengthy and detailed,” highlighting the damaging impact of smuggling operations on prison environments.
“Smuggling drugs and other items into prisons is not only illegal, but continues the exploitation and misery of the people caught in the middle of it,” he said.