Poggioreale prison drone smuggling attempt intercepted in Naples

Prison police in Naples intercepted a professional-grade drone, valued at approximately 10,000 euros, attempting to deliver illegal contraband to the Poggioreale prison. The intercepted cargo included roughly one kilogram of drugs—consisting of hashish, cocaine, and marijuana—along with 15 smartphones, charging cables, power adapters, and a precision scale.

The Unione Sindacati Polizia Penitenziaria (Uspp) reported the incident, noting that the drone was a large, technologically advanced model manufactured in Europe, capable of carrying significant weight. Union leaders Giuseppe Moretti and Ciro Auricchio warned that such sophisticated methods indicate the involvement of organized crime.

The union emphasized the growing ‘hi-tech war’ within prisons and called for increased support for correctional officers. They highlighted the need for advanced anti-drone systems, specialized training, and additional personnel to address security gaps, noting that the Poggioreale facility currently faces a deficit of 200 staff members.