A network that used drones to supply French and also some Belgian prisons with contraband including drugs and cigarettes has been dismantled in France. French prosecutors report that three people have been remanded in custody.
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Criminal gang that used drones to supply French and Belgian prisons with drugs and cigarettes busted
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The investigation into the gang’s activities started after "several parcels dropped using drones" were found in Uzerche Prison in Central France in January this year. The parcels contained drugs and smartphones. The investigation soon discovered that a criminal gang had been supplying convicts with contraband in this way since autumn 2022. At the head of the gang was an individual that centralised orders via a Snapchat account entitled "drone2france".
More than 10 French prisons in various parts of the country were supplied in this way. In addition to French prisons, the gang also supplied inmates at some Belgian penal institutions. A source close to the investigation told the AFP news agency that the deliveries mainly involved "cigarettes and drugs".
Last Monday eight people were arrested in the Paris area and in Northern France. Three of them were brought before an Examining Magistrate on Thursday and were remanded in custody until their trial, scheduled that is for 1 February.
The three are suspected of drug trafficking, unlawfully suppling items to detainees, overflying no-fly zones and money laundering. Those offences carry prison sentences of up to 10 years.