South Yorkshire Police partnered with Serco staff at HMP Doncaster for a dedicated operation which has had a significant impact targeting and preventing illicit substances from entering the prison.

Serco provide safe and secure Prison Escort Services for prisons across the UK.

During the 10 hour operation on 15 October, 120 visitors and 165 prison staff were searched as they entered the prison; no illegal items were found during this exercise.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Bright said: “We are pleased no one was foolish enough to try and bring in a banned item during today’s activity.”

A drone was flown above HMP Doncaster during the exercise to ensure no items were thrown over the prison walls.

Regarding the methods of smuggling items into prison, DCI Tom Bright said: “Methods are in place to combat these routes of entry, and we want people to know that if you are caught, you will face the full force of the law.”

The seizure of cannabis, tobacco, USB sticks, charging devices and psychoactive substances were also found during the operation after 14 prison cells were also searched.

Deputy Director for Serco at HMP Doncaster, Rachel Barras said: “This successful joint exercise with the Police sends a clear message that we take a zero tolerance approach to anyone who attempts to smuggle illicit items and drugs, which fuel violence and bullying into prison.”

This activity demonstrated how the partnership is helping to prevent illicit items from entering the prison estate.