A bungling attempt to throw more than £12,000 of drugs into Hull Prison has gone viral after police released CCTV footage of the incident.
The video, published by Humberside Police following the sentencing of Joshua Smith, shows him making three unsuccessful attempts to hurl a black package over the prison wall before finally succeeding at the fourth attempt.
The footage has since been shared widely online, making headlines around the world and being shown by major international broadcasters including CNN.
Smith, 30, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years and eight months at Hull Crown Court on Monday, August 24, after previously admitting two counts of throwing a prohibited article into a prison.
The incident happened on July 11, 2025, when a prison officer saw the package fall over the wall and raised the alarm. It was recovered almost immediately before it could reach its intended recipient.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE ▶️
Analysis revealed that the parcel contained illegal drugs worth an estimated £12,000, including class A substances, as well as a mobile phone.
CCTV obtained from outside the prison showed Smith repeatedly attempting to throw the package over the wall. After several failed efforts, he moved closer before eventually managing to propel it into the prison grounds.
Detective Constable Heather Butler, who led the investigation, said: “Further evidence was collated leading to the identification of Joshua Smith. He was arrested and, when questioned, initially indicated that he did throw the package but quickly changed the answers to questions posed to him to ‘no comment’.
“Smith made the decision to facilitate dangerous drugs entering the prison. This behaviour will not be tolerated and we continue to work closely with HM Prison Service to ensure those who engage in this type of crime are held accountable.
“Thankfully, on this occasion, the package was found almost instantly and never reached its intended destination. However, these drugs could have had catastrophic consequences and facilitating drugs entering a prison is a criminal offence.
“We will continue to investigate all reports of drug offences and I urge everyone in the community to report any suspicious behaviour, no matter how small, using our non-emergency number 101.”
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
