Copyright manchestereveningnews
Organised crime gangs are 'using evolving tactics' to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons, police have said after a drone operator caught near Strangeways was jailed. Police chiefs spoke out after the case of Mohammed Sharif, who was locked up after the discovery of a haul of contraband and drones. Sharif, 22, was spotted in woods near HMP Manchester by undercover officers on patrol late one night in September. He was seen using his phone underneath a tree close to the prison walls, with officers also spotting a large bag next to him. A remote-controlled drone and items wrapped in socks were also discovered, Manchester Crown Court heard. The socks contained a mobile phone and charger; tobacco and rolling paper; foil packages containing cannabis; MDMA; synthetic cannabinoids and ketamine, prosecutors said, with a second drone also found at his home. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A Telegram message discovered on his phone read: "The eagles have landed, that new route is magical, thank you." Sharif, 22, of Gowan Road, Birmingham was jailed for six years. His conviction followed a joint investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Police chiefs said digital analysis of the drones revealed multiple flights into HMP Manchester, HMP High Down, and HMP Feltham in the preceding months. Speaking after the case, 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 division, 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." Sharif pleaded guilty to eight counts of conspiring to bring prohibited items into prison, and one count of possessing cannabis.
