Dutch government explores measures to take down drones over PI Vught prison
The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security is exploring whether the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) should be granted the authority to take down unauthorized drones flying over the high-security PI Vught prison. This was confirmed by State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie (PVV) in response to parliamentary questions from VVD lawmaker Ulysse Ellian. The Tweede Kamer will receive further updates on the matter after the summer, De Telegraaf reports.
On December 23, 2024, multiple drones were observed flying over the prison. The exact number remains uncertain, as a single drone may have been spotted multiple times, Coenradie stated. Due to security concerns, the ministry has not disclosed whether the drones specifically flew over the Extra Secure Institution (EBI), the most heavily guarded section of PI Vught.
The EBI houses some of the most notorious criminals in the Netherlands, including Ridouan Taghi and Willem Holleeder. Following a security inspection, authorities found no evidence of contraband being smuggled into the prison.
Although the airspace above PI Vught has been restricted to drones and civilian aircraft since July 2022, unauthorized drones can still enter the area. DJI, which oversees the management and security of prisons, forensic clinics, and detention centers, currently employs drone detection systems and collaborates with security services to monitor airspace violations.
The Dutch government has allocated an additional 16 million euros annually to combat criminal activities within detention centers. "Given the technological advancements in drones, a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward countering drone threats," Coenradie stated.
