Thomas Garcia, 32, orchestrated a drone drop of drugs into HMP Hindley from his prison cell using an iPhone, police have revealed. The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) said the drone successfully delivered a 2kg package containing cannabis resin, tobacco, a mobile phone and a charger. Garcia then distributed the contraband within the prison.
Investigation Uncovers Organised Crime Network
Garcia was caught with the iPhone at HMP Hindley on October 20, 2025. Analysis of the device showed he coordinated the drone incursion overnight between October 18 and 19, 2025. The phone also identified members of his organised crime group in the community.
Darren Thomas Harrison, 39, of Pendennis Street, Liverpool, supplied the cannabis resin and prepared the drone package. The package was collected from his home on October 18, 2025, by another group member. Harrison was an established drug supplier, put in contact with others by Garcia.
Courier and Sentencing
David Andrew Dickinson, 42, from Crosby, acted as courier. He collected the package from Harrison and drove to the prison in a white Ford Transit van. The three were arrested in April 2026, with drugs seized during home searches.
At Liverpool Crown Court on July 3, 2026, Garcia was sentenced to three years and four months, concurrent with his current sentence, for conspiracy to convey articles into a prison, conspiracy to supply cannabis and breach of a Serious Crime Prevention Order. Harrison received two years and five months for conspiracy to convey articles into a prison, conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Dickinson was jailed for nine months for conspiracy to convey articles into a prison and conspiracy to supply cannabis.
Police Statement on Prison Drug Supply
Detective Inspector Brian Morley of the NWROCU said: “This was a coordinated and organised attempt to exploit drone technology to deliver drugs and other prohibited items into a prison. Garcia continued to orchestrate serious criminality from behind bars, supported by his associates on the outside who prepared, transported and facilitated the delivery.”
Morley added: “We know that drugs in prisons fuel violence, debt and further offending, and we will continue to work with partners to disrupt this activity and bring those responsible to justice.”
