Officers raid addresses in Little Hulton as crackdown on drone drops in prisons continue
Police conducted simultaneous raids in Little Hulton targeting properties linked to drone deliveries of contraband to HMP Hindley. The operation followed an investigation initiated in September 2024 after a drone was spotted heading towards the prison. A man in his 20s was previously arrested, but no contraband was found. Today's raids resulted in the seizure of a bladed article and mobile phones, though no arrests were made. Authorities emphasized ongoing efforts to combat drone-based contraband deliveries and urged the public to report suspicious activities.
Police Raid Two Homes in Drone Smuggling Probe at HMP Hindley
Police stormed two properties in Little Hulton Thursday morning in a major operation targeting a drone smuggling ring that has been dropping contraband into HMP Hindley.
Prison Liaison Officers alongside Challenger and Specialist Operations teams executed simultaneous warrants at addresses on Captain Fold Road and Ordsall Avenue following a three-month investigation that began when officers spotted a drone heading toward the prison on September 28.
While no arrests were made during Thursday’s raids, officers seized a bladed weapon and multiple mobile phones they believe were destined for inmates. The investigation had already yielded one arrest in September when a man in his 20s was taken into custody on suspicion of conveying list ‘A’ items into the prison, though no drone or contraband was recovered at that time.
“This morning’s warrant is just one part of our sustained, strategic approach to combating drug drops via drones and throw overs at HMP Hindley,” said Constable Fenney from the Wigan district. “We’ve been executing targeted operations to dismantle the networks behind these aerial contraband and drug deliveries, but our work doesn’t stop here.”
Police believe the sophisticated operation has been using drones to deliver drugs, phones, tobacco and other illicit items over the prison walls. Authorities are now working closely with prison officials to pursue those responsible and are appealing to the public for information.
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