Inmate Climbs Prison Fence for Packages: 'Package Throwing is Daily Fare'

An unusual incident at Wortel prison saw an inmate scale a high fence to retrieve packages, highlighting a persistent problem within the facility: the regular smuggling of contraband over the prison walls. While the prisoner's act of climbing the fence was described as exceptional, the act of throwing packages into the prison grounds is reportedly a daily occurrence.

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This incident is exceptional, but the throwing of packages over the fence is daily business.

Vakbondsafgevaardigde Jef Taks of ACOD stated that the packages, often containing drugs, are frequently thrown over the fence, sometimes using catapults or even drones. These items are quickly retrieved by inmates, consumed, and any evidence is often gone by the time of a search. The union representative emphasized that this practice is so common that it's considered 'dagelijkse kost' (daily fare).

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The walk takes place against the edge of the forest. People come from outside, often minors, crawling out of the woods. In a few seconds, the packages fly over the fence. Sometimes it happens with a catapult, sometimes even with drones.

The incident has prompted calls for enhanced security measures. Taks suggested that adding more barbed wire to the existing fence could deter future attempts. Prison authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to analyze the event and determine the best course of action. This ongoing challenge underscores the difficulties faced by correctional facilities in maintaining security and preventing the flow of illicit substances and items to inmates.

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This is rather exceptional, but it immediately makes clear how far they are willing to go for those packages.