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Organised crime gangs are 'using evolving tactics' to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons, police have said after a drone operator caught near Strangeways was jailed.

Police chiefs spoke out after the case of Mohammed Sharif, who was locked up after the discovery of a haul of contraband and drones.

Sharif, 22, was spotted in woods near HMP Manchester by undercover officers on patrol late one night in September. He was seen using his phone underneath a tree close to the prison walls, with officers also spotting a large bag next to him.

A remote-controlled drone and items wrapped in socks were also discovered, Manchester Crown Court heard. The socks contained a mobile phone and charger; tobacco and rolling paper; foil packages containing cannabis; MDMA; synthetic can

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