Drugs rampant in Deerbolt

The HMP Inspectorate of Prisons has raised alarms over the drug situation at HMP Deerbolt, where nearly 40% of drug tests returned positive results. The report highlights that about 23% of the prison population has developed a drug problem while incarcerated. Between April and November, there were 75 medical emergencies linked to substance misuse. Inspectors noted a lack of a “co-ordinated or effective” strategy to combat the drug culture, calling for a “resourced, robust and uncompromising push” to address the issue. Additionally, staff shortages have hindered drug testing and health appointments, exacerbating the situation.