Caught: Prisoners Running Drug Supply Network from Inside Local Jail

Published on: 26 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2025

The entrance to HMP Coldingley. Image: Wikipedia

Two prisoners who smuggled mobile phones into jail to run an illegal drug supply network have been caught and will now serve even more time behind bars.

Jack Payne

Jack Payne and William (Billy) Stewart were serving time in HMP Coldingley in Bisley when suspicions were raised about whether they could still be involved in the supply of Class A, B and C drugs.

They were sentenced yesterday (April 25) at Guildford Crown Court. A number of their associates outside prison have also been sentenced for their involvement in illegal drug supply in separate court cases.

Payne, 33 from Aldershot, Hampshire, who was already serving a six-year sentence for various offences including possession of a handgun, was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to supply class A, money laundering and possession of mobile devices in prison.

Stewart, 37, also from Aldershot, who had been in jail since 2012 for murder, was given a further 10-year sentence for conspiracy to supply class A and money laundering.

William (Billy) Stewart

A police investigation into an illegal drug supply network uncovered evidence that the pair were managing activities using mobile phones they had smuggled into prison where they were both serving time for other matters.

Further enquiries, which included looking at cell site data, led to their prison cells being searched and resulted in a number of mobile devices being found and seized, including one hidden down Payne’s trouser leg.

On examination, the devices showed the duo had been communicating with associates via text, arranging for them to carry out illegal drug dealing activity on their behalf.

DC Alex Sarakinis, from Surrey Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Organised crime groups cause untold damage to our communities through their activities.

“These two offenders may have thought they were being smart by trying to continue controlling their network from jail, but, working closely with the prison service, we were able to prove their involvement. Now they will go even longer without their freedom and we will be working to ensure any illegal profits they have made are seized.”