UPDATED: THREE men have been charged following an incident at Risley Prison, Warrington, involving the alleged use of a drone.
They were due to appear in court today charged with attempting to smuggle cannabis and mobile phones into the prison.
Four men were originally arrested on Wednesday, shortly before 11.20pm, after police received reports of a drone hovering over the prison.
Local officers swiftly attended the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area.
Two men aged 17 and 18 were arrested at the scene, and a further two men aged 31 and 41 were arrested a short time later near to the M62, Birchwood.
A drone and a quantity of drugs were recovered at the scene.
Vincent Clark, 41, of Wilburn Street, Liverpool, Sean Gould, 31, of Globe Street, Liverpool and a 17-year-old boy from Kirkby were subsequently been charged with attempting to smuggle Class B drugs and mobile phones into the prison. Clark was also been charged with driving without a valid license or insurance.
The fourth suspect, an 18-year-old man from Kirkby has been released pending further enquires.
Chief Inspector Sarah Pengelly from Warrington Local Policing Unit said: “I hope that these arrests send a clear message that the supply of drugs has consequences.
“We are committed to tackling drug crime and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their local communities to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information about drugs or crime in their local community is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101. Alternatively information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In another incident Warrington Police uncovered a significant cannabis farm in the town, pictured below.
