Victorian prison armed with new technology to crackdown on increase in drone-delivered contraband

New technology has been installed in all Victorian prisons to combat the increase in contraband being smuggled in via drone.

Authorities have seen an increase in drone-related smuggling since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after in-person visitors were banned.

Now $425,000 has been spent on strategically positioned antennas that can detect and track a drone from up to 50 kilometres away.

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The technology can also pinpoint the location of the drone's operator, whether they are in a nearby paddock or inside someone's home.

When a drone approaches a prison, the technology will alert corrections personnel to any potential security breaches.

In 2019, there were 19 drone related security incidents.

In 2020, that number soared to 177, with some of the contraband attempted to be smuggled including mobiles phones, USB devices, prescription drugs and weapons such as screwdrivers.

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Corrections Minister Natalie Hutchins said the technology has vastly improved the number of drones being caught before they can deliver contraband.

"Our detection rates have grown by about 200 per cent in a 12-month period," Ms Hutchins told 9News.

"We've managed to absolutely cut that off at the knees."

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Corrections Victoria Assistant Commissioner Frank Dumic told 9News that the technology will have little impact on those doing the right thing.

"We encourage visitors to visit their family and friends in custody," Assistant Commissioner Dumic said.

"However if they do the wrong thing they will be caught."