Two jailed after drugs find in prison followed by firearm discovery hours later

Two people have been jailed following an investigation into drugs being smuggled into a prison leading to a firearms discovery.

Farrah Jones (19/08/95), of Spa Crescent, Little Hulton, has been jailed for four years for conveying a list A and list B article into prison, conspiracy to convey list A and list B article into prison, possession of a knife and possession of criminal property.

Steven Wimbleton (06/03/94), of Shillingten Close, Little Hulton, was jailed for five years for possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of class B drugs.

Both had earlier plead guilty at a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

At around 1.30pm on Thursday 30 November 2023, Jones was observed leaving the toilets from her job in HMP Forest Bank, where she was employed by an agency. Having previously aroused the suspicion of colleagues, the bathroom was subsequently searched, resulting in the discovery of two packages containing illicit substances – later revealed to be ketamine and cannabis.

Just hours later, two officer were on patrol in Little Hulton when one of the officers smelled cannabis, which was emanating from a car parked close to them. Once they approached the vehicle, they observed Jones and Wimbleton seated inside – and who were subsequently searched.

Within the car, packages containing a combination of tablets, cannabis resin, mobile phones, and syringes – many of which were wrapped in vacuum or cellophane packaging. In addition, a lock-knife and bag of white powder were discovered, resulting in their arrest.

A further search discovered a pistol – which was found to have a round of ammunition in the chamber.

Subsequent house searches resulted in the seizure of further drugs paraphernalia and thousands in cash.

Detective Constable Steven Walker, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “Attempting to bring drugs into a prison is a grave offence and carries so many issues – from enabling criminals to flourish when they should be being punished to ruining the lives of those suffering with addictions.

“While drugs cause their own issues, a firearm is an incredibly deadly weapon and can cause untold hurt and misery when in the wrong hands. I am glad we were able to get both an illegal weapon and numerous drugs off the streets of Salford.”