A 30-year-old man has been jailed for attempting to smuggle more than £12,000 worth of illegal drugs into a prison by throwing a package over its perimeter wall. Joshua Smith, of no fixed address, received a sentence of three years and eight months at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of throwing a prohibited article into a prison.
The incident occurred on 11 July 2025 when a prison officer at HMP Hull spotted a parcel falling over the wall. According to ITV's report, surveillance footage captured Smith making several unsuccessful attempts before finally succeeding in throwing the package over the barrier. The package was recovered almost immediately and never reached its intended destination inside the facility.
Analysis of the seized parcel revealed it contained an estimated £12,000 of drugs, including class A substances, along with a mobile phone. Detective Constable Heather Butler from Humberside Police explained the significance of the discovery and the investigation that followed.
How was the suspect identified?
CCTV footage from outside HMP Hull proved crucial in identifying and apprehending Smith. Video evidence showed the repeated failed throws followed by the successful delivery attempt, allowing police to reconstruct the incident and identify the perpetrator. The footage captured the exact moment the package cleared the prison wall and fell inside the grounds.
What did police say about the case?
Det Con Butler issued a statement regarding the severity of the offence and its potential consequences.
The package was analysed leading to the discovery of an estimated £12,000 of drugs, including class A drugs, and a mobile phone.She emphasised the deliberate nature of Smith's actions, stating that
Smith made the decision to facilitate dangerous drugs entering the prison.
The detective highlighted how close the operation came to succeeding and the dangers it posed.
Thankfully on this occasion the package was found almost instantly and never reached its intended destination. However, these drugs could have had catastrophic consequences.Her comments underscored the risks associated with drug smuggling into custodial facilities, where such substances can fuel violence, disorder, and further criminal activity among inmates.
Why is prison drug smuggling a serious concern?
Attempts to introduce drugs into prisons represent a significant law enforcement challenge. Such operations can destabilise prison security, fuel gang activity, and compromise rehabilitation efforts. The fact that Smith persisted through multiple failed attempts before succeeding demonstrates the determination of those involved in such schemes. The inclusion of a mobile phone in the package suggests an intention to establish communication networks within the prison, compounding the security threat.
Smith's case reflects broader patterns of drug-related offences in the criminal justice system. Previous cases have involved larger quantities and more organised operations, such as a man jailed for carrying £300,000 worth of cocaine in Glasgow, and a father and son sentenced for attempting to smuggle nearly £900,000 worth of cannabis into Scotland through Glasgow Airport. These cases demonstrate the scale and persistence of drug trafficking networks across the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
- Joshua Smith, 30, was sentenced on Monday at Hull Crown Court to three years and eight months in prison
- The package thrown over HMP Hull's wall contained an estimated £12,000 of class A drugs and a mobile phone
- CCTV footage captured Smith making multiple unsuccessful attempts before one successful throw on 11 July 2025
- The package was discovered and recovered before reaching anyone inside the prison
- Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of throwing a prohibited article into a prison
