Drone smuggling is rampant in British prisons, the chief inspector has warned of a threat to national security

The use of drones by criminal gangs to drop drugs and weapons into prisons poses a serious national security threat, the chief inspectorate of prisons has warned. He called on the authorities to take urgent measures to curb the growing illegal activities in prisons.

According to a report released by Taylor on Tuesday (January 14), inmates at Manchester Prison in England burned Windows to receive large packages delivered by drones, which could cause serious disturbances and even help prisoners escape. Although authorities established a restricted flight zone around the prison a year ago, drone activity has increased and the problem has not been effectively controlled.

Taylor said: "It is extremely shocking that the police and Prison Service have effectively ceded the airspace over two high-security prisons to organised criminal gangs... By failing to address this growing threat, the safety of prison staff, prisoners and ultimately the public has been seriously compromised."

The report is based on inspections of prisons in Manchester and Longlattin. Taylor noted that the two high-security prisons are full of illegal economic activity, including drug, mobile phone and arms trading, but security facilities such as protective nets and surveillance equipment have fallen into disrepair and are unable to function.

British prisons also face an overcrowding crisis, with the number of prisoners now at a record high and the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe. The report described poor conditions at Manchester prison, including dirt, humidity, waste build-up and a chronic rodent infestation. Inmates even used shredded mattress foam to keep warm, and 39 percent of them tested positive for drugs.

Conditions at Long Lartin prison are equally dire. Prisoners without toilets in their cells are forced to use buckets to go to the toilet and throw bags full of faeces out of Windows, which are often left uncleaned. About half of prisoners believe it is "very easy" to access drugs and alcohol in prison, a survey has revealed.

In response, the Ministry of Justice said new safety nets and CCTV systems were being installed at Manchester prison. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "We are working with the police and agencies to tackle organised crime by investing in prison maintenance and security, while building more prison facilities to house dangerous offenders."