# Drone-based contraband smuggling in prisons

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drone-based-contraband-smuggling-in-prisons
> Updated: 2026-08-21T11:13:46.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Serbia and Greece have intercepted separate attempts to use drones to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities.

In Niš, Serbia, police arrested a 49-year-old suspect after uncovering a plan to deliver a loaded pistol to an inmate via drone. Investigators stated the intended goal was to use the weapon to take a prison guard hostage and facilitate an escape. 

In Larissa, Greece, an anti-drone system known as ‘Tevkros’ successfully neutralized a drone attempting to deliver a package of electronic items, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and routers, to inmates. Following this interception, Greek authorities announced plans to acquire additional anti-drone technology to enhance security across correctional facilities.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Larissa Prison drone delivery attempt thwarted by anti-drone system

A Greek anti-drone system neutralized a drone attempting to deliver 12 phones, 21 SIM cards, and other electronics to Larissa Prison, prompting plans for 25 more advanced systems nationwide.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/larissa-prison-authorities-intercept-drone-smuggling-electronics

### 2026-08-01: Serbian police thwart drone‑delivered pistol scheme at Niš prison

Police in Niš arrested a man who tried to use a drone to smuggle a pistol with eight rounds into the local prison for a Novopazarac inmate, foiling a planned guard attack and escape.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-police-thwart-dronedelivered-pistol-scheme-at-ni-prison

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Cite as: Drone-based contraband smuggling in prisons. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drone-based-contraband-smuggling-in-prisons