Johnpaul Digweed, who was serving a 25-year sentence for supplying drugs, was making "between £400,000 and £500,000 every two months" from HMP Garth in Lancashire, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has stated.
The 36-year-old was reportedly involved in organising drone deliveries of drugs and other illicit items into the prison. He was found with a mobile phone on six occasions and tested positive for cocaine in September 2023.
Mr Digweed was found hanged in his cell on 13 April 2024. The PPO report noted that his observation panel was covered during routine checks on the morning of his death, and staff responsible for checking him took no action.
Ombudsman Adrian Usher expressed concern about a widespread issue at Garth with prisoners blocking observation panels and staff not always following local guidance for checks. The prison has reportedly taken some steps to address this.