A drone crashed into a watchtower at Tahíche Prison in Lanzarote after flying over the prison grounds, prompting renewed concerns over security at the facility and its proximity to the island's airport.

The incident happened at around 1:00pm on 5th July, according to the prison officers' union ACAIP. The union said the drone hit one of the prison's watchtowers before falling to the ground.

ACAIP warned that drones are increasingly being used to smuggle prohibited items into prisons, including drugs and mobile phones. The union said attempts to introduce substances such as cocaine, heroin and cannabis, along with mobile phones, have become a growing concern, with more devices reportedly being seized in recent months.

The union also highlighted the prison's location within the flight zone of Lanzarote Airport, warning that unauthorised drone flights could pose a risk not only to the prison but also to aircraft operating in and out of the airport.

Spanish aviation rules place strict limits on drone use near airports to prevent interference with aircraft and ensure passenger safety.

Following the latest incident, ACAIP has again called for anti-drone technology to be installed at prisons to detect, identify and disable unauthorised drones flying over secure sites.

While there was no report of injuries or security breaches during this incident, the union says the growing use of drones around prisons shows the need for stronger security measures to protect staff, inmates and nearby air traffic.