Mann and Morris Sentenced in Drone Drug Smuggling Case at Welsh Prison Residents of Bristol, Mann and Morris, have received sentences for their involvement in a drone-assisted drug smuggling operation targeting a troubled prison in Wales.
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In a significant incident highlighting ongoing challenges of drug smuggling in prisons, two men from Bristol have received prison sentences for attempting to deliver illicit substances to HMP Parc in Bridgend using a drone. This case reveals the lengths individuals will go to for illegal drug trades and underscores the persistent challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining security.
Nicholas Mann, aged 34, and 24-year-old Kyle Morris were apprehended after an investigation by South Wales Police linked them to drug activities. This operation culminated in a late-night chase, leading to the men’s arrests.
Details of the drone delivery attempt
The incident occurred late on June 17, when officers identified a suspicious VW T-ROC parked in a layby near the A4061. The vehicle was suspected of involvement in drug supply, prompting a rapid response from the roads policing unit and dog units.
During the investigation, officers observed a drone delivering a package into the prison yard before returning to a nearby common area.
During the ensuing search, Mann and Morris were spotted fleeing the scene. Mann was discovered hiding in dense undergrowth, while Morris was apprehended with a shopping bag containing a drone propeller. Upon their arrest, a mobile phone was seized from Mann, further linking them to the crime.
Contents of the package
Inside the package dropped within the prison grounds, authorities found a black sock secured with fishing wire. This unusual packaging contained controlled substances, specifically cannabis and spice, both notorious for their prevalence in UK prisons. The illicit nature of these drugs poses significant risks to inmates and the overall safety and order within the facility.
Consequences and sentencing
Both men faced legal repercussions in court, where they were each sentenced to 21 months in prison at Merthyr Crown Court. Mann had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of smuggling at Cardiff Crown Court, with Morris following suit shortly after. Their engagement in illegal activities has resulted in their incarceration and serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug smuggling in correctional facilities.
The bigger picture: Challenges at HMP Parc
The serious concern regarding drug availability in prisons escalated earlier this year when a report into HMP Parc outlined alarming findings. The inspection revealed a notable decline in safety standards, attributing the prison’s challenges to management changes following a contract awarded to the private security firm G4S.
According to Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, numerous deficiencies were identified, including windows in cells that could be easily opened from the inside, facilitating drug smuggling via drones. The report indicated that nearly a third of random drug tests conducted in the prison returned positive results, with over half of the inmates claiming that obtaining illegal drugs was relatively easy.
Fatal consequences of drug abuse
The repercussions of drug prevalence in HMP Parc have been severe. The facility reported 17 inmate deaths last year, marking it as the UK prison with the highest mortality rate. Among these fatalities, five were directly linked to drug use, while others resulted from self-inflicted harm or natural causes. These findings have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of current measures to combat drug trafficking and abuse among inmates.
In light of these tragic events, a spokesperson for G4S acknowledged the challenges faced during the initial months of and expressed condolences to the families affected by the deaths. The company stated that significant efforts have since been made to address the issues outlined in the report, emphasizing their commitment to improving safety and security conditions within the prison.
