A committee of Members of Parliament has issued a warning about the prevalent drug culture in prisons, emphasizing the significant risk it poses to lives. According to the Justice Committee, 39% of prisoners have easy access to drugs, causing detrimental effects on the ability of HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) to manage and rehabilitate offenders.
The committee’s report highlights the alarming human cost associated with the crisis, revealing that 16% of deaths investigated between December 2022 and 2024 were linked to drug use. Additionally, a notable percentage of inmates reported developing substance abuse issues since being incarcerated.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for updates in prison drug testing and calls for a comprehensive review of prescription medication dispensing procedures to address potential loopholes. Furthermore, the committee urges the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and HMPPS to enhance drug testing rates and implement advanced surveillance methods to detect new substances, such as wastewater-based surveillance.
Concerns were also raised regarding the use of drones to smuggle contraband, including drugs, mobile phones, and even weapons. The increasing incidents of drone sightings around prisons underscore the need for improved security measures.
Labour MP Andy Slaughter, Chair of the Justice Committee, expressed deep concerns about the pervasive drug crisis in prisons. He emphasized the urgent need to combat the acceptance of drug use, address the supply chain from criminal organizations, and tackle the rise of dangerous substances like New Psychoactive Substances.
The Justice Department has been contacted for further comments on the matter.