The drug crisis destabilizes UK prisons, with gangs exploiting weak security to flood jails with contraband. A new watchdog report reveals drones, corrupt staff, and overcrowding are fueling addiction and violence.
Criminal networks increasingly use drones to drop drugs into prisons. Inspectors found synthetic cannabis, heroin, and other substances circulating freely in facilities like HMP Manchester and Long Lartin. Indeed, as prisons face instability, one inmate admitted, “Getting drugs inside is super easy.”
With prisoners locked in cells for up to 23 hours daily, many turn to drugs out of desperation. Nearly 40% of inmates surveyed said narcotics were easily accessible. Random tests showed 30% positivity rates, doubling in some prisons like HMP Hindley, illustrating how the drug situation destabilizes the UK prison system.
Underpaid and inexperienced guards struggle to contain the chaos. At HMP Bedford, drug testing stopped for a year despite safety risks. In other jails, prisoners openly intimidate or manipulate officers, adding to the destabilizing effects.
Prisons Minister Lord Timpson announced £40 million for security upgrades, including body scanners and detection dogs. New prisons are being built, but critics say reforms move too slowly to address the widespread drug crisis destabilizing the UK institutions.
Inspector Charlie Taylor warned unchecked smuggling empowers terrorists and gang leaders behind bars. He urged closer police-prison cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks.
As long as demand persists, smugglers will find new ways to supply drugs. With probation services overloaded and reoffending rates high, the drug crisis continues to destabilize UK prisons with no quick fix in sight.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
