HMP Liverpool requires urgent refurbishments on its oldest wings to combat the threat of drug delivery drones, according to a new inspection report. The prison, located in Walton, has made significant strides against organized crime groups flooding cells with illicit materials, but progress risks being undone by delays in upgrading dilapidated Victorian-era units.
Drug Testing Rates Improve but Remain High
When inspectors visited the category B facility in 2025, nearly 50% of randomly drug-tested prisoners tested positive for illicit substances—the highest rate among all reception prisons in England and Wales. Since then, the prison has reduced that rate to 35%, though it remains the third highest. The prison has also seized more drugs and phones during cell searches and improved recovery support for users.
Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor said: "While work to support drug recovery had strengthened and random mandatory drug testing positive rates had reduced, the use of illicit substances remained unacceptably high."
Physical Security Vulnerabilities
Inspectors expressed particular concern about the condition of windows in older blocks, which are susceptible to drone drops. In November 2025, the ECHO reported that HMP Liverpool ranked among the top 10 prisons nationally for drone incursions, with windows and exercise yards requiring "significant investment." Taylor emphasized: "The opportunity to thwart drug delivery from drone incursion by installing more secure windows as part of the anticipated wing refurbishment should clearly not be missed."
Progress on Drug Strategy and Recovery
Despite security concerns, inspectors found effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies helped mitigate risks, leading to a reduction in reported drone sightings. The prison now has a dedicated substance misuse team focusing on recovery rather than punishment, and a substance-free living unit supports prisoners attempting abstinence. Mobile phone finds decreased by 30% since the previous visit, and illicit drug finds also declined.
However, inspectors noted that living conditions on older units awaiting refurbishment remain inadequate. The refurbishment, which includes improving unfit cells, stalled previously but is due to resume.
Government Investment and Broader Context
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We've invested over £40m in physical security measures across the prisons estate to keep out illicit items that fuel violence, alongside up to £300m to help improve conditions and keep prisons safe and secure." The government also announced £35 million to install 13,000 heavy-duty steel window grilles at the most at-risk prisons.
In October 2025, two men—Curtis Carney of Kirkby and Robert Stoba of no fixed abode—were jailed for nearly 10 years for their role in dozens of drone drops. A probe by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) uncovered evidence of 50 flights into prisons including HMP Liverpool and Altcourse, shipping tens of thousands of pounds worth of drugs. Collaborations between police and the Prison Service have led to over 200 arrests nationally, and a taskforce has imposed tougher sentences for drug smuggling in prisons.
Positive Developments Amid Challenges
Inspectors found self-harm rates reduced by a third and staff sickness absence levels dropped, improving regime consistency. However, the quality of education remains inadequate, and living conditions on older wings are still poor. The prison continues to work on reducing drug demand while strengthening physical security to counter drone incursions.
