Prison security prevents innovative drone smuggling of drugs and phones

KUWAIT CITY, September 8: Security personnel at the Central Prison managed to thwart a new and innovative attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics and mobile phones into the prison using a drone in the early hours of the morning.

A security source revealed that after a strict control of the prison, which included closing all possible loopholes for smuggling through unannounced inspections of the wards and conducting daily self-checks on visitors, staff and cleaners, the prison administration further strengthened security by erecting barriers and subjecting everyone entering the complex to strict screening. In addition, drug traffickers were relocated to Prison 3 and strict security measures were enforced, including the installation of jamming systems to disrupt telephone networks. Despite these precautions, unknown smugglers attempted to deliver narcotics and telephones by drone. The contraband, including hashish, crystal meth, chemicals and mobile phones, was dropped from the drone and quickly confiscated by security personnel.

Investigations revealed that the smugglers used three drones. The first drone was used for surveillance/spying to ensure the absence of security personnel. The second drone, loaded with drugs and mobile phones, was intended for the actual delivery. A third drone followed to monitor the delivery and ensure it was not intercepted. At the same time, some inmates were instructed to start fights to distract security personnel while others tried to capture the smuggled items. The prison administration immediately contacted the General Narcotics Control Department to identify and arrest those responsible for launching the drones.

The source stressed that security personnel from the Department of Corrections are on duty around the clock to protect inmates, maintain order and prevent contraband from entering the facility.

The source further explained that surprise raids, rotation of security officers, transfer of drug traffickers to Prison 3 and tightening inspection protocols for everyone entering the prison, including officers and maintenance workers, have contributed significantly to keeping the facility almost free of contraband. However, drug traffickers have resorted to using drones at dawn to smuggle illegal items into the prison from nearby areas, a method that has so far been unsuccessful thanks to the vigilance of prison security personnel.