An 18-year-old from Hyde has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after a drone was spotted flying close to HMP Wymott in Lancashire.
He was held after the incident at 12:25am on Tuesday, when a car he was a passenger in flipped onto its roof following a police chase.
Both suspects escaped from the car, but they were apprehended nearby, with one found hiding under a caravan and the other beneath a truck.
Officers found a drone, a large quantity of drugs, and mobile phones inside the car.
Alongside the man from Hyde, police also arrested a 26-year-old Leeds man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and dangerous driving.
“It is an offence to fly drones within 400 metres of a closed prison or young offender institution,” said a statement from Lancashire Police.
“Drone operators breaking the rules could face fines of up to £2,500 while those found smuggling illicit items face up to 10 years in prison.
“We will continue to work closely with the Prison Service and positive action will be taken against those breaking the law.”
The law about ‘no-fly zone’ around prisons came into effect in January 2024.