Officers are appealing for information after packages containing phones, sim cards and drugs were discovered at Erlestoke prison.
The first bag was discovered hanging on the perimeter fence by a prison officer during a routine evening patrol on Thursday 8th December. Once examined, the Nike drawstring bag was found to contain over 15 mobile phones, computer games, music CDs, cigarette papers, over 25 sim cards and a large amount of class B drugs.
A further bag, also containing a number of mobile phones, sim cards and quantities of what are believed to be class B drugs was also discovered thrown over the fence into the prison grounds during the evening of Friday 16th December.
Detective Sergeant Nic Shorten said, ‘These were both substantial packages containing a large amount of property, which would have a significantly high value within the prison.
“Due to the area where the packages were recovered we believe the person/s attempting to throw them over the fence may have come from the direction of Erlestoke village and through the woods.
“We are working very closely with the prison during this investigation and enquiries are on-going at this stage.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to these incidents to contact Wiltshire Police on 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.”
Prison Governor Andy Rogers said, “We are continually improving how we deal with the drug and mobile phone problems at Erlestoke. This has recently been recognised by HM Inspectorate of Prisons and over the last 3 years we have seen improved finds because of robust strategies.
“We have a zero tolerance on drugs and mobile phones in the prison and have worked closely with the Police and other Criminal Justice agencies in Wiltshire to ensure that consequences for those attempting to smuggle items into the prison are severe. Drugs destroy lives and we will not tolerate them here. This was a significant capture by staff in the prison and I appeal to all for information that will lead to the capture, arrest and prosecution of the individuals concerned.”
