Gang Convicted Over Prison ‘Throwover’ Smuggling Operation At HMP Lewes

A number of people have been convicted following a major police investigation into drugs and contraband being thrown over the walls of HMP Lewes.

The operation began in 2023 after a series of incidents in which packages containing illegal items were thrown into the prison.

In one case, a single parcel was found to contain 19 mobile phones, dozens of USB cables and other accessories.

In response, Sussex Police launched Operation Culprit, working alongside HM Prison Service to tackle the activity. The investigation involved patrols, surveillance, sniffer dogs and forensic analysis of recovered items.

Officers later stopped a vehicle linked to the offences near the prison, where they discovered bags containing cannabis and mobile phones believed to be intended for delivery over the prison wall.

Two men from London were arrested and later charged.

Following a trial, one was found guilty on all counts, while a decision is pending on whether a second man will face a retrial on one of the charges.

In a separate incident, a man was arrested at Lewes railway station shortly after prison staff intercepted parcels containing drugs.

He admitted throwing items over the wall and has since pleaded guilty. He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Further investigation uncovered a wider network linked to the smuggling operation, including communication between those involved and an inmate at the prison.

A woman was arrested while visiting the inmate, after evidence linked her to multiple packages. DNA evidence and financial records helped build the case against those involved.

The inmate, along with others connected to the operation, has since pleaded guilty to a number of offences.

Several defendants have now been convicted and are due to be sentenced in August.

Police say the operation has led to a significant reduction in so-called “throwover” incidents at HMP Lewes, with 15 people arrested as part of the investigation.

Authorities have warned that smuggling items into prisons is a serious offence, contributing to violence, organised crime and ongoing offending behind bars.