Two arrested after suspected drugs and phones thrown in Wiltshire prison grounds
A package was found at Erlestoke Jail
Last updated 6th Jan 2022
A suspicious package was reported to have been thrown into the grounds of Erlestoke Prison just after 3.00pm on Tuesday (4th January 2022).
It contained suspected drugs and mobile phones, with a man seen to leave the scene on foot, before getting into a car.
Officers found a vehicle matching the description given to them in Westbury.
A man left the car and ran away across nearby fields.
Following a search, a 28 year old man from Bridgwater was arrested on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison.
A 27 year old woman from Exeter has also been arrested on suspicion of the same offence.
Both have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said:
“This was excellent work by officers who worked together to conduct extensive searches of a large area, to locate and arrest a man who had decamped from a vehicle which had earlier been seen near to Erlestoke prison under suspicious circumstances.
“We will continue to patrol the area surrounding Erlestoke prison whilst working closely with prison staff, and anyone seen attempting to throw prohibited items onto the premises will be dealt with appropriately. This behaviour is completely unacceptable.”