A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs into a Kent prison.

CCTV operators at the jail in Maidstone are understood to have seen someone throw a package onto the roof of the prison.

Officers recovered the package and found it contained a quantity of a Class A drug.

Patrols in Maidstone town were alerted and later arrested a 42-year-old man for possession of cannabis resin and intending to supply a Class A drug.

Special Constable Aaron Butcher, who made the arrest, said: “We are aware of alleged incidents when drugs have found their way into the prison and we are currently working to tackle this issue.

“The arrest we made shows we take these kinds of offences extremely seriously and we will continue to investigate incidents and arrest those responsible.”

The arrested man has been bailed to the police station until Christmas Eve, pending further enquiries.