PRISON bosses plan to hack drones using new technology, to stop drug and phone drop-offs.
Members of the Irish Prison Service recently flew to Moldova to see what technologies are currently available that would work in Ireland’s jails.
Drones are being used to drop off contraband into Irish prisons[/caption]
And Members of the Irish Prison Service are now on the hunt for tech to stop it[/caption]
The IPS is now believed to be considering purchasing cyber takeover or takedown gear.
This involves detecting drone radio frequency transmissions to identify its serial number and locate the pilot using AI.
Jail staff then send a signal to hack the drone, take control of it and direct it away.
A source said: “Drones are being used every second day to drop off contraband to Irish prisons. If it’s not at Wheatfield then it’s at Mountjoy. Criminals spend thousands on these devices.
They don’t mind if they’re caught — some drug and phone drop-offs make up to €60,000 each.”
The source added: “The IPS travelled to Moldova recently to look at anti-drone technology.
“They seem to be ahead of the game there. They’re hoping to introduce tech which allows trained prison staff to intercept and take over drones — landing them away from inmates.
“Something needs to happen soon as the number of drones dropping off contraband is increasing on a daily basis.
“If this was introduced it could prove beneficial in combating the escalating problem.”
A spokesperson said the IPS “has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to keep contraband out of prisons”.
Last month, prison authorities intercepted two packages packed with drugs, phones and chargers in seizures worth a combined €37,400.
MAJOR CONTRABAND BUST
The major operation was carried out at Dublin’s Wheatfield Prison where there has been a huge issue with contraband being smuggled in.
Officers from the Operational Support Group quickly responded after they saw a man attempting to throw packages over the prison walls.
The officers recovered multiple packages with cannabis resin, tablets, mobile devices, chargers and SIM cards.
In a separate incident, prison staff intercepted a drone attempting to deliver contraband into an exercise yard.
The package fell short of its intended target and was nabbed by authorities.
It was also packed with tablets, cannabis herb, powder, mini phones and chargers.
An Irish Prison spokesman said: “The seizures prevented illicit items from entering the prison and ensuring the continued safety of staff and prisoners.”
Authorities continue to examine the drugs but the overall seizures are worth an estimated €37,400, which the spokesman said underscored “the ongoing threat posed by smuggling attempts.”
