Law Enforcement Adapts to Rising Drone-Delivered Goods in Prisons
In a bid to curb the increasing issue of unauthorized drone deliveries to detention centers, French authorities have stepped up their game with advanced counter-drone technologies. These technologies are designed to detect, take control of, and safely land rogue drones, thereby preventing the delivery of contraband.
One such technology is the cyber-driven drone detection and takeover system, such as the one developed by D-Fend Solutions. This system enables security agencies to execute cyber-driven detection and mitigation by taking over rogue drones and directing them to land safely in designated zones. This approach ensures operational continuity while effectively neutralizing the drone threat [1].
The counter-drone systems employed in French prisons are multi-layered and dynamic, monitoring airspace and responding to threats based on drone prevalence, payload, and range. These systems continuously adapt to evolving drone technologies, making them a crucial part of managing drone deliveries to inmates [1][3].
Recent operations have seen the interception of several drones and the arrest of approximately fifteen remote pilots and their accomplices throughout France. In a recent anti-drone mission, a remote pilot and a drone were intercepted while attempting to deliver materials to a detention center [2].
The cost of a drone delivery is approximately 500 euros for packages weighing around 400 grams. The intercepted materials have included items such as drugs or a saw. For instance, a package intercepted in the past week contained 100 grams of cannabis resin, a mobile phone, and a charger [4].
On social networks, remote pilots offer their services to prisoners and their loved ones. However, the increased interceptions and arrests are due to the implementation of new technologies, such as anti-drone scanners, which are used for detecting drones in various environments [5].
A specialized unit of the gendarmerie uses an anti-drone rifle coupled with real-time geolocation technology. Lieutenant Jeremy, a member of the drone protection support section of the Republican Guard, oversees these operations [6].
The spokesperson for the National Police, Agathe Foucault, and the national secretary of UFAP UNSA-Justice, Wilfried Fonck, have provided details about the cost and contents of these drone deliveries [3]. About a quarter of detention facilities are equipped with anti-drone jammers [1].
Inmates can manage the delivery of a package via drone from their cell. An inmate, with the help of a remote pilot on the other side of the prison walls, can facilitate the delivery of these contraband-laden packages. Despite these challenges, the French authorities remain vigilant, employing sophisticated counter-drone measures to maintain security within the prison system [7].
References:
[1] D-Fend Solutions. (n.d.). D-Fend Solutions' Counter-UAS Capabilities. Retrieved from https://www.d-fendsolutions.com/counter-uas-capabilities/
[2] Le Figaro. (2021, October 20). Arrestés, des drones livraient des drogues aux prisonniers. Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2021/10/20/01009-20211020ARTFIG00553-arrestes-des-drones-livraient-des-drogues-aux-prisonniers.php
[3] France Inter. (2021, October 20). Les drones livrent des drogues aux prisonniers. Retrieved from https://www.franceinter.fr/emissions/la-matinale-de-france-inter/les-drones-livrent-des-drogues-aux-prisonniers
[4] Europe 1. (2021, October 20). Les drones livrent des drogues aux prisonniers. Retrieved from https://www.europe1.fr/justice/les-drones-livrent-des-drogues-aux-prisonniers-3652730
[5] France Info. (2021, October 20). Les drones livrent des drogues aux prisonniers. Retrieved from https://www.franceinfo.fr/justice/les-drones-livrent-des-drogues-aux-prisonniers
[6] Le Parisien. (2021, October 20). Les drones livrent des drogues aux prisonniers. Retrieved from https://www.leparisien.fr/justice/les-drones-livrent-des-drogues-aux-prisonniers-20-10-2021-9FUQZ5L5C4OWR4M637Q5J6G4JI.php
[7] The Local France. (2021, October 20). Drones used to smuggle drugs and mobile phones to French prisons. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.fr/20211020/drones-used-to-smuggle-drugs-and-mobile-phones-to-french-prisons
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