A man and woman have been arrested after a drone was discovered within the grounds of Forest Bank prison in Salford, police said today. Both are aged in their 60s and were held on Friday morning in the Swinton area of the city.
Greater Manchester Police said the arrests follow an investigation into 'drone-flying contraband' being smuggled by air into HMP Forest Bank. The probe was launched earlier this year after prison staff captured a drone on site.
Arrests in Swinton
In a statement, GMP said: "Today (Friday, November 13), following a knock-on at an address in Swinton, a man and woman in their 60s were arrested on suspicion of conveying articles into prison. They have been taken into custody for questioning."
Officers also seized a quantity of class B drugs and cash from the address.
Investigation launched after drone captured
Sergeant Jennifer Farrimond, of GMP's Salford Neighbourhood team, said: "This months-long Salford Neighbourhood investigation was launched after staff captured a drone on prison grounds."
She added: "The use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons is a significant concern. Drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items can fuel further criminality, undermine prison security, and place both staff and inmates at risk. We will identify those responsible and build a strong case against them to bring them to justice."
Farrimond continued: "We will not allow you to infiltrate prison establishments with illegal contraband and we remain committed to disrupting organised criminal networks, and protecting our communities both inside and outside the prison estate."
No further details have been revealed.
