‘Alarming’ haul of drugs found at Perth Prison

An “alarming” haul of around 800 tablets and 300 grammes of heroin was found in Perth Prison in just 12 months.

Figures obtained through a freedom of information request, for the period April 1 2016 to March 31 2017, also reveal 76 grammes of cannabis were found in the period and six grammes of amphetamine.

The statistics also show that there were 174 finds in “residential” areas of the prison – cells and the recreation area, with 26 discoveries in the visiting area.

The figures state six stashes were detected using a specialist dog team, with 14 finds by searching visitors.

The latest finds heap further pressure on Perth Prison after a series of drug-related incidents. Around £100,000 of illegal substances were seized during a crackdown on contraband last year and an audacious attempt to pass drugs and jail-breaking tools was made by a drone.

Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Officials must think hard about new policies to prevent drugs from getting to inmates.

“To have nearly 800 pills and 300g of heroin confiscated is alarming and unfortunately could represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to narcotics abuse. Just last year, figures claimed that HMP Perth was amongst the country’s most violent prisons, and the presence of class A drugs will not help prevent future violence.

“Prisoners are finding new, imaginative, ways of smuggling drugs inside and it is important that Perth Prison is adequately resourced in order to meet this challenge.

A spokesperson for the SPS claimed a “comprehensive range of robust security measures” is in place to prevent the introduction of contraband into their prisons.

“Significant investment continues to be made in the development of new technology and staff training to detect, deter and reduce the availability and supply of illegal drugs,” she said.