A husband and wife have been jailed after smuggling contraband into HMP The Mount.
Sajad Hashimi, 27, and Zerka Maranay, 28, of London, were jailed at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, April 29.
The duo smuggled thousands of pounds of illegal contraband into prisons using drones.
A police investigation identified Hashimi as being responsible for more than 100 drone incursions into 11 prisons and young offender institutes across 78 dates between August 2022 and October 2023.
It also found that Maranay assisted Hashimi by hiring at least 20 cars costing in the region of £17,000, which he used to travel to and from the prison sites, including The Mount.
In addition to arranging the transport, Maranay used her bank account to launder nearly £50,000, which had been paid to her husband for piloting the drones and delivering the illegal contraband.
Hashimi pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply drugs into prisons and conspiring to convey prohibited articles into prisons.
Maranay pleaded guilty to conspiring to convey prohibited articles into prisons and money laundering.
Hashimi received 31 months for conspiracy to supply a class B drug (cannabis), 32 months for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (heroin), and 10 months for conspiracy to convey prohibited articles.
Maranay was sentenced to six months for conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison and nine months for converting criminal property.
Prisons and Probation Minister Edward Argar said: “Our anti-drone zones – along with drug detection dogs and airport-style security – are helping us crack down on drugs behind bars. This sentencing is a warning to those who think they won’t be caught.”
Photo Credit: Northamptonshire Police
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