Crime Solicitors

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah has revealed that, since the introduction of new detection measures to crackdown on prison contraband, a huge haul of drugs and mobile phones has been uncovered in prisons.

A total of 225kg of illicit drugs was recovered from prisons in 2016, as well as more than 20,000 mobile phones and sim cards.

Criminals using drones to smuggle phones and drugs into prisons have also been jailed for a combined total of more than 40 years.

A £2 million investment has seen every prison across the estate fitted out with hand-held mobile phone detectors and portable detection poles, to step up the detection of illegal phones on the landings.

In addition, 300 specialist prison dogs have been trained in drugs detection to help stem the flow of illicit substances into prisons, allowing officers to focus efforts to reform and turn around the lives around of offenders.

The measures are part of a much wider strategy to tackle the most pressing threats to security in prisons, backed by a strengthening of the frontline with 2,500 additional prison officers by 2018.

New statistics show that, in 2016, prison staff recovered 225kg of illicit drugs – the equivalent weight of two washing machines – across the prison estate.

In the same year, more than 13,000 mobile phones and 7,000 sim cards were recovered from prisons – blocking attempts by offenders to continue committing crime behind bars.

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said:

“I have been clear that the current levels of violence, drugs and mobile phones in our prisons is unacceptable – we have put in place a number of measures to help disrupt this illegal activity, as it is an issue I am absolutely determined to resolve.

“These figures highlight the determination of prison staff to disrupt this behaviour, while at the same time sending a clear message that we will push to prosecute anyone who involves themselves in this kind of activity.

“The issues within our prisons will not be resolved overnight – but we must make progress in tackling these problems.

“Bringing in more frontline staff is an integral part of that – the number of prison officers in post is on the rise, meaning we are on track to achieving the recruitment of 2,500 officers by 2018.”

The government has introduced strict measures to prevent drugs in prisons – including introducing legislation which makes the possession of psychoactive substances a criminal offence.

A specialist squad of prison and police officers has also been formed to tackle the threat drones pose to prison security.

The team of investigators will work closely with national law enforcement agencies and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to inspect drones that have been recovered from prisons, in a bid to identify and track down those involved in attempts to smuggle in contraband.

Figures show that to date there have been 35 arrests and 11 convictions relating to those involved in drone activity – resulting in those convicted serving a total of more than 40 years in jail.

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