Public Phones Monitored For Drug Dealing

Calls made from BT’s hi-tech phone kiosks in Manchester will be monitored to combat drug dealing.

22:13 15 April 2019

BT has installed a number of WiFi-enabled phone kiosks in Manchester to replace traditional phone boxes. The kiosks offer free mobile charging, WiFi services and local calls. Unfortunately, drug addicts in some areas, including Piccadily, have been taking advantage of the scheme to organise drug deals.

 

"They ring their drug dealers from there, but go and meet them somewhere else," a source said.

 

In response to the issue, InLink came up with the technology to pick out which calls are suspicious and block them. However, Matt Bird, general manager of InLink made it clear that the scheme does not involve passing evidence over to the police.

 

Meanwhile, the council's city centre spokesperson Pat Karney has confirmed meeting with InLink to discuss the issue.

 

"We had a very positive meeting with them," he said.

 

"And we're really pleased that they've taken strong action.

 

"We're determined to take drug dealing out of the city centre in Manchester.

 

"We will be working closely with InLink on future actions - this is just the start of our digital war on drugs."