POLICE are looking for the operator of a drone which crashed near a Scottish prison while carrying a “package of drugs”.

Officers said they were working with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) after reports of the crash near HMP Edinburgh, in the Stenhouse area of the city.

The drone is thought to have been carrying illegal substances to inmates when it crashed in the small hours of Wednesday.

“Enquiries so far indicate the drone was carrying a package of drugs,” police said in a statement.

Police have urged anyone who may have seen someone operating a drone in the Longstone Road area at around 1:05am on Wednesday, January 18 to come forward.

Sergeant Mark Coull said: “It is believed the drone operator was in the Longstone Road area. Residents may have CCTV or even a passing motorist could have dash-cam footage that could assist us.

“We are keen to speak to anyone with information that could trace those responsible.

“Drugs bring nothing but misery and harm. We depend on the support from our partners and members of the public, and will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove illegal substances from our communities.”

“Anyone who can assist with our enquiries can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0123 of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”