UK security minister pledges 'severe sentence' for drone users disrupting flights

LONDON -- Britain's security minister said that those who used the drones near a runway leading to airport disruptions could expect "the most severe sentence," local media reported Tuesday.

Minister Ben Wallace said those who use the drones either recklessly or for criminal purposes would face punishment.

He admitted that the huge proliferation of drones is a threat, which coupled with the challenges of deploying military counter measures into a civilian environment, means there are no easy solutions.

"However, I can say that we are able to now deploy detection systems throughout the UK to combat this threat," he said, referring the threat of the misuse of drones.

His comments came days after some drones were reportedly sighted near the runway at Gatwick airport leading thousands of passengers stranded ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Two people were arrested and later released without charges over the Gatwick incident, according to previous reports.