New figures reveal that the vast majority of drones flying into Scottish prisons evade capture, with only eight recovered last year as gangsters continue to smuggle weapons and drugs behind bars. The Scottish Mail on Sunday has previously highlighted this illicit trade supplying convicts.
Contraband Contents
Payloads recovered have included an array of substances infused with drugs, such as powders, tablets, gels, putty, resins, pastes, crystals, and paper. These 'poly substances' can test positive for three or four different drugs each and have been found in dangerous concentrations. Drones are also often laden with mobile phones, SIM cards, and memory sticks as gangs orchestrate criminal empires from within prisons. Other seized drones have contained 'ceramic blades', Stanley knives, and a 'lock knife'.
Recovery Rates
Scottish Prison Service (SPS) data shows that in 2024, there were 71 drone reports, with contents of 29 recovered and only 18 drones seized. In 2025, reports rose to 75, but contents of just 19 were recovered, and only eight drones were seized. This highlights the challenge the SPS faces in tackling drone incursions.
Political Response
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr MSP said: 'These shocking figures confirm weak SNP ministers are still failing to get a grip on the soaring use of drones in Scotland's prisons estate. John Swinney's government cannot keep turning a blind eye to this issue and must put robust measures in place to stop drones infiltrating Scotland's prisons.'
Inside Barlinnie
The issue has featured in the BBC Scotland series Inside Barlinnie, which explored daily life at the notorious Glasgow jail. In one episode, prisoners on an entire level were confined to their cells as staff searched for contraband after a drone was spotted near the second level at around 2am. It was feared the drone had dropped a package of drugs, weapons, and phones at a prisoner's window.
Michael Stoney, governor of HMP Barlinnie, described the situation as 'very concerning because there could be anything in the packages they're dropping off'. Similarly, Gillian Walker, governor of HMP Shotts, noted that criminals can fly drones into prisons 'from miles away', making it difficult to identify those responsible.
Preventive Measures
The SPS argues that not all drones flown over jails have criminal intent. However, for those that are part of illicit trade, the service uses a range of preventive measures, including grilles on windows. An SPS spokesman said: 'Any attempt to bring illicit substances into our establishments, including by a drone, poses a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of those in our care.' The Scottish Government stated it continues to support the SPS's work to adapt security measures 'to prevent, detect and deter the introduction of contraband'.
