Birmingham man jailed for drone-related prison offences

Yesterday (Wednesday 5 November) a Birmingham man was sentenced for a series of offences involving the use of drones to smuggle drugs and prohibited items into prisons across the country, following a joint investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Mohammed Sharif, 22, of Gowan Road, Birmingham was sentenced to six years imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court yesterday. 

Sharif was arrested after GMP officers recovered a drone and a package containing drugs and other contraband in woodland near HMP Manchester on 21 September 2024. Further enquiries led to his arrest at a house in Birmingham, where another drone was seized. Digital analysis of the drones revealed multiple flights into HMP Manchester, HMP High Down, and HMP Feltham in the preceding months.

The investigation began with GMP, who secured the initial charges and remand, before the case was passed to NWROCU for further enquiries and additional charges.

Sharif was convicted for possession of cannabis, and multiple counts of conveying List A and B articles into prisons across the country.

A Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) has also been sought, which, if granted, will restrict his access to mobile phones and drones, and require him to notify authorities of his address upon release.

Detective Inspector Brian Morley from the NWROCU’s Prison Intelligence Unit said:

“This case highlights the determination of law enforcement to tackle the growing threat of drones being used to smuggle contraband into prisons.

"The successful outcome is a testament to the close partnership between GMP and NWROCU, and our commitment to keeping our prisons and communities safe.”

Detective Sergeant Carla Dalton from GMP's City of Manchester district said:

"Thanks to the collaborative work between ourselves and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), we were able to identify and disrupt Mohammed Sharif’s criminal activity.

"Our officers recovered a drone and a package containing drugs and other contraband in woodland near to HMP Manchester on Saturday 21 September 2024 which lead to his arrest.

"This case highlights the evolving tactics used by organised criminals to smuggle contraband such as drugs and weapons into prisons, and the serious risks these pose to prison safety and rehabilitation efforts.

“We will continue to work with partners to target those who seek to exploit technology for criminal gain. We rely on information passed by members of the public and ask that if anyone sees any suspicious activity to report it."