A corrupt prison officer has been jailed along with the gang he helped to smuggle drugs, mobile phones and USB sticks into a prison in southeast London.
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist crime unit discovered that Jason Thompson, a guard at HMP Isis, had been involved in the operation.
Thompson, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and misconduct in a public office, and was jailed for four years and six months at Snaresbrook Crown Court in February.
Thompson admitted that he earned between £400 and £600 per package when acting as the link between the gang and inmates, while five of the gang were jailed on Thursday for a combined 25 years.
The investigation began in February 2024, after Thompson was suspended by the Prison Service, exposing a link between a north London organised crime group and the supply of Class B drugs into the prison.
Over 800 hours’ worth of CCTV and phone material was reviewed during the investigation, which uncovered Thompson’s use of a burner phone to facilitate 18 package drop-offs between February and July 2024.
Olusegan Shobanjo, 26, was a ringleader inside prison, and his brother Adedayo Shobanjo, 28, played a key role from outside the prison.
The gang prepared an industrial number of USB sticks containing entertainment and pornographic material, as well as mobile phones, cannabis, and vape oil, and transferred the packages into the prison via supervised visits through the official prison booking system.
Police found the gang communicated in code and slang to avoid detection, as prison footage captured the exchanges, including a moment when Thompson discarded items in a staff toilet in a panic.
Officers intercepted a package containing cannabis resin on March 13 2024, and carried out 11 simultaneous arrests across London, which led to further seizures including Class A drugs and ammunition.
Detective Inspector John Cowell, who led the investigation, said: “The members of this gang, which included a member of prison staff, believed they were able to bypass the law and outsmart both the police and prison authorities.
“What they did not realise was that officers had identified the conspiracy early on and were already building a case that would ultimately bring them to justice.
“We will continue to work alongside the Prison Service to not only eliminate the organised gangs who seek to smuggle dangerous items into prisons, but also to root out those within who seek to enable their activities.”
Deputy governor at HMP Isis, Stephen Forde, said the vast majority of prison staff were honest, professional and hardworking, and that those who choose corruption put staff and prisoners at risk and damage public trust.
Forde added: "This sentence shows how seriously the courts view corruption by those in positions of authority, and should serve as a clear deterrent to anyone considering smuggling contraband into our prisons.”
List of convictions:
Jason Thompson, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and misconduct in a public office. He was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 17.
Olusegan Shobanjo, 26, was found guilty of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List B articles into prison and facilitating the acquisition, acquisition or possession of criminal property. He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 2 to five years’ imprisonment.
Andrew Opoku‑Edusei, 28, was found guilty of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List B articles into prison, facilitating the acquisition, acquisition or possession of criminal property, possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of cocaine, and possession of ammunition. He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 2 to four years and six months' imprisonment.
Rama Wato, 26, was found guilty of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List B articles into prison and facilitating the acquisition, acquisition or possession of criminal property. He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 2 to two years and 10 months' imprisonment.
Prince Kunado‑Dwomoh, 27, was found guilty of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 2 to two years and eight months' imprisonment.
Nathan Adjei, 26, was found guilty of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 2 to two years and six months' imprisonment.
Jacques Hamilton, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 22.
Arian Kaseb, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List B articles into prison and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 23.
Adedayo Shobanjo, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey List B articles into prison and facilitating the acquisition, acquisition or possession of criminal property. He will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 7.
