Two men jailed for smuggling contraband into prisons across England

Two men have been jailed after using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons.

Alan Cane, 40, and Jamie Groves, 38, were sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment, and two years and six months’ imprisonment respectively at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (15/7), following an investigation by prison intelligence officers from the South East Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Cane was also given a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) to stop him owning or being in control of a drone for a period of five years, which will begin on his release from prison. 

At hearings held on 4 March and 13 May, Groves, of Lindisfarne Road, Dagenham and Cane, of Pelly Avenue, Essex pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison.

Between May and September 2024, Groves and Cane orchestrated the delivery of contraband into prisons across England using drones. The pair have been linked to 136 separate suspected drone drops across 19 prisons, targeting windows and designated yard locations.

While the most frequent incidents occurred in prisons in London and the South East, prisons in Bedford, Worcester, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire were also impacted.

Items smuggled included Class A and Class B drugs, Stanley blades, tobacco, mobile phones, USB sticks, and clothing.

Groves and Cane were charged on 12 September 2024.

Head of SEROCU, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Boniface, said:

“This case highlights a serious and sustained threat to prison safety and order, with a staggering 136 suspected drone drops across 19 HMP establishments.

“These sentences send a clear message: anyone attempting to organise the supply of contraband into prison will be identified and prosecuted.

“I hope Cane’s SCPO will act as a strong deterrent, restricting his ability to reoffend, and making clear that breaching the order could lead to further time in prison.”