Drone Swarm Alarm at Vught Prison: Police Launch Major Response, No Escape Plot Involved
In an evening filled with tension, the PI in Vught found itself encircled by a substantial number of police officers on Monday. The reason behind this operation was the presence of multiple suspicious drones hovering above the prison. Initial rumors suggested a potential escape attempt, but the police swiftly debunked this theory.
Police units were stationed at various points around the complex, with around nine police cars and both local and national police forces present. To ensure maximum safety, officers were equipped with bulletproof vests, and a police helicopter was deployed to monitor the situation. Despite these precautions, the drones seemingly vanished after approximately one and a half hours, leading to the withdrawal of police forces.
The Officer of Duty (OvD) confirmed the sighting of multiple drones but was unable to provide an exact number. "We always prepare for the worst in cases like this, especially around the PI," the OvD stated. "This is a no-fly zone, and the airspace above the PI is constantly monitored. While we’ve scaled back our presence, we’re ready to redeploy if needed."
The airspace above PI Vught has been a no-fly zone since 2020, with the restriction set to remain in place until 2025. The municipality has stressed that this strict measure is necessary to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. Consequently, the appearance of drones within this restricted zone prompted a swift and substantial police response.
Notably, PI Vught also houses the Extra Beveiligde Inrichting (EBI), which holds some of the Netherlands’ most dangerous prisoners, including Willem Holleeder. More recently, Ridouan Taghi, sentenced to life imprisonment for multiple murders related to the Marengo case, has also been incarcerated here. Upon his arrival, a dedicated wing was constructed to house him, and he is now held in complete isolation.
