Seven Jailed After Drone Smuggling Ring Targeted London Prisons

A criminal gang responsible for using drones to smuggle drugs, weapons and mobile phones into prisons across London has been jailed following a major Metropolitan Police investigation.

The seven men were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court after admitting their roles in what prosecutors described as a serious and highly organised operation. The group targeted several prisons including HMP Wormwood Scrubs, HMP Brixton, HMP Pentonville and HMP Wandsworth, as well as facilities outside the capital.

Police estimate that around 75 percent of drone drops at London prisons during the period investigated were linked to the network. Officers said the group travelled by car to prison sites, often in the early hours of the morning, before flying packages directly through cell windows.

The ringleader, Shafaghatullah Mohseni, 29, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. The court heard he played a central role in coordinating flights, operating drones, organising drivers and lookouts, and managing payments that exceeded 30,000 pounds. He also communicated with inmates using illicit mobile phones inside the prisons.

The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from 27 to 33 months. Hashim Al Hussaini, Mohammed Hamoud and Zahar Essaghi were each jailed for 33 months. Faiz Salah received 31 months, Mustafa Ibrahim 30 months and Emanuel Fisniku 27 months. Their roles included acting as lookouts, drivers and assisting with the delivery of contraband.

Evidence presented in court included CCTV footage showing members of the gang preparing drones with packages attached using fishing wire and melted plastic to secure the load. In one instance, a drone crashed at HMP Wandsworth and was seized by authorities. It contained cannabis, Pregabalin capsules often referred to as new Valium, and Alprazolam tablets.

Another drop was intercepted after police alerted prison staff to an incoming drone flight targeting a specific cell. That package reportedly contained cannabis, cigarettes and several smartphones.

Financial investigations revealed money transfers from associates of serving prisoners to fund the operation. Officers said the enterprise was sustained through coordinated payments and careful planning to avoid detection.

Detective Inspector John Cowell said the group believed they were outsmarting prison authorities but were under sustained specialist surveillance. He described the operation as organised and prolific.

Prison officials have previously warned that drones pose a growing security risk, enabling the delivery of drugs, weapons and communication devices over prison walls. The case highlights increasing concerns about the use of consumer drone technology in criminal activity.

The convictions mark one of the most significant crackdowns on prison drone smuggling in London in recent years, as authorities continue efforts to tighten security and prevent contraband entering custodial facilities.