Couple Jailed for Supplying UK Prisons with Drugs and Phones Using Drones

A Warwickshire couple has been brought to justice for orchestrating a large-scale drone smuggling operation targeting prisons across the UK. Sajad Hashimi and his wife Zerka Maranay were sentenced after authorities uncovered a scheme involving over 100 drone drops delivering illegal goods into 11 different jails and young offender institutions.

The Smuggling Scheme Exposed

Hashimi, utilizing a DJI Phantom 4 drone, conducted a staggering 78 smuggling flights between August 2022 and October 2023. HMP Onley in Rugby bore the brunt of this illicit activity, with at least 72 drops occurring within its grounds. Investigators obtained video evidence depicting a drone hovering over the prison at night, lowering mobile phones on a fishing line – a chilling illustration of the smugglers' tactics.

Maranay played a crucial role in the operation, handling logistics. She arranged for the rental of at least 20 vehicles to facilitate drone deliveries and laundered nearly £50,000 in profits generated by the scheme. The potential consequences of this operation are deeply concerning. The influx of drugs and mobile phones into prisons can disrupt order, fuel violence, and endanger the safety of inmates and staff alike.

Airsight: A Game Changer in Prison Security

Thankfully, authorities were able to dismantle the operation before it caused even greater harm. This case, however, underscores the critical need for robust drone detection and mitigation systems at correctional facilities. Let's explore how Airsight, a cutting-edge drone detection solution, could have potentially thwarted this smuggling operation:

• Early Warning, Early Action: Airsight's advanced radar technology can detect unauthorized drones at significant distances, providing ample time for prison security to react and implement countermeasures.
• Identifying the Threat: Airsight goes beyond simple detection. The system identifies the type and size of the drone, enabling security forces to assess the level of threat and tailor their response accordingly.
• Tracking the Pilot: Airsight offers the capability to track the location of the drone operator, potentially leading to the apprehension of the culprit before they complete their illicit delivery.

Don't let drones become a security risk in your correctional facility.  Contact Airsight's team today to learn how their innovative drone detection solutions can safeguard your prison and ensure a safe environment for everyone.