HMP Liverpool staff spotted a drone flying in the grounds of the prison in the early hours of the morning.
Police confirmed that they have arrested a man who was seen carrying a drone radio controller and bag, just moments later on Rice Lane recreational park. Staff reported seeing the drone at around 2am on Tuesday, May 10.
Officers then found a man, carrying the drone controller, just half a mile away in a park. The suspect was detained and after a search, a quantity of cannabis was also seized.
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After a search of an address, a laser torch was also recovered and the 31-year-old man, from Tuebrook, was arrested on suspicion of conveying a prohibited article into a prison and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: "Officers acted swiftly on information provided by prison staff to intercept a suspect and seize a drone during this incident. Merseyside Police will continue to seek proactive ways to combat the illegal use of drones through technology and information from communities.
"We continue to work in partnership with HM Prison Service to keep the prison community and those in the wider community of Merseyside safe, and urge anyone with information on those operating drones in this way to contact police. If you see a drone you suspect is being used to transport contraband into a prison in Merseyside please call 999. If you have information on anyone who owns a drone for this purpose, DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111."
