Police dog Ike sniffs out suspected drone operator hiding in bush

A man has been arrested after staff at HMP Liverpool reported seeing a drone that was followed to a nearby field in the early hours of today (Monday 4 November)

Just before 0.30am, staff reported seeing a drone attempting to land in the prison courtyard before it was flown towards the field between Stuart Road and Maguire Road.

Officers attended the field with Police Dog Ike from the Dog Unit where the drone was found.

The field was contained by officers, before 18-month-old Ike was let off his leash.

Ike located the remote controller for the drone before using the scent to turn his attention to the operator, who was found by Ike hiding in a bush.

The package was found to contain cannabis resin, tobacco, mobile phones notes, drill bits and SIM cards.

A 34-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison and possession of a prohibited firearm, possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug (cocaine) and possession with intent to supply a Class B controlled drug (cannabis). He has been taken into custody to be interviewed.

Chief Inspector Jordan Quinn said: "Aided by the sterling work and attentive nose of PD Ike, our officers acted swiftly on information provided by prison staff to intercept the suspect and seize a drone.

“Merseyside Police will continue to seek proactive ways to combat the illegal use of drones through technology and ultimately with information from communities.

“We continue to work in partnership with HM Prison Service to keep the prison community and those in the wider community of Merseyside safe, and urge anyone with information on those operating drones in this way to contact police."

If you see a drone you suspect is being used to transport contraband into a prison in Merseyside please call 999. If you have information on anyone who owns a drone for this purpose, DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.