Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - This year, drone approaches over prisons in Saxony-Anhalt were detected for the first time. By the end of November there had been a total of three such incidents, the Ministry of Justice said when asked. None have been registered in previous years. Other federal states have been registering such approaches and overflights for some time. It is feared that drugs, weapons, mobile phones or other prohibited items could be brought into the prisons with drones.

In all correctional facilities, precautions have been taken with a view to structural safety. In addition, there are comprehensive prison organizational measures to prevent the transfer of prohibited objects to prisoners - if necessary also by air. Thus, the outdoor areas used by the prisoners would be constantly monitored. In addition, the areas of the institution in which prohibited objects could be dropped off by drones, for example, would be checked regularly.