Prisoner Boasts of Drone-Delivered Five Guys Burger Behind Bars
A prisoner has bragged about receiving a Five Guys burger delivered by drone while incarcerated, posting a video on TikTok using a contraband mobile phone. The footage, which has since been deleted, allegedly garnered over 220,000 views before removal.
Details of the Unusual Delivery
In the video, the inmate described the three-stack patty as "delicious" despite arriving "battered and bruised" after a turbulent journey. He claimed the burger was delivered directly to his window "via a drone in the Big House", with the prison believed to be located in the Midlands region of England.
The caption explained: "I mean it’s took a long detour, gone through battering weather, hit the wall and window a couple times and had to get frazzled in the microwave to kill any germs but yer it didn’t look too much different." Despite arriving "soggy and cold", the prisoner insisted it was "well worth the money".
Official Response and Denials
The Ministry of Justice and Prison Service have been contacted for comment, with officials stating there is zero evidence to support these claims. However, they confirmed submitting requests to social media platforms to remove the content. A Prison Service spokesperson emphasised: "Prisoners caught using mobiles face further punishment which can include extra time behind bars."
Broader Context of Prison Contraband
This incident is not isolated. Prisoners at HMP Wandsworth were recently filmed enjoying smuggled fried chicken takeaways from Chicken Cottage, prompting an urgent investigation into security breaches. Sources suggest bribed guards or drones may facilitate such deliveries.
Drones have become a significant tool for smuggling contraband into UK prisons. HMP Manchester recorded at least 220 drone drop-offs last year, the highest in England and Wales. The Ministry of Justice reported over 1,000 drone 'drops' in 2024 across the prison estate.
Financial Incentives and Security Risks
Former inmates reveal that criminal gangs can make up to £50,000 per drone delivery, transporting items like phones, SIM cards, drugs, and even takeaways. Cheap mobile phones sell for £2,000 inside prisons, while paper soaked in synthetic drugs like spice or cocaine can fetch £1,000.
Detective Sergeant Carla Dalton of Greater Manchester Police warned: "Phones behind bars are used to arrange drug deals, weapon drops and even plan violent attacks." In November, police seized over 500 mobile phones and SIM cards from HMP Manchester inmates.
Gangs typically operate in teams, using drones costing from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds. Drops can be completed in as little as 20 seconds, carrying packages weighing up to 7kg. The ex-prisoner explained: "Some gangs are raking in £50,000 a go. If you put five phones on a drone and deliver them, that's £10,000."
This case underscores ongoing challenges in prison security, with drones and contraband phones enabling inmates to bypass restrictions and even flaunt illicit activities on social media.
