Inmates’ drug smoke caused prison officer to hallucinate

A PRISON warden who hallucinated and became violent after accidentally inhaling drugs being taken by inmates has received compensation from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

The officer was taken to hospital and suffered long-term health problems following the incident at Shotts Prison in North Lanarkshire in 2019.

The SPS settled the civil case just before it was due to go to court with compensation now paid to the officer.

“The health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who live and work in our establishments is a key priority for SPS,” said a spokesman.

“The presence of illicit substances in the wider community is a constant challenge and we continue to work hard to safeguard staff, and those in our care, from the harm they cause.”

There are ongoing concerns about the availability of drugs in Scottish jails and staff potentially being put at risk by inhaling second-hand smoke from substances such as spice. In 2021, the SPS began photocopying mail, after evidence that spraying letters with psychoactive substances had become a common way of getting drugs into jails.

Prison bosses said that the move had reduced overdoses behind bars.

However, illegal substances are still getting into Shotts and other prisons, with smuggling through drones becoming an increasingly common method.

Yesterday, police confirmed they were investigating a separate incident in which a drone, thought to be carrying drugs, crashed near HMP Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Sgt Mark Coull said: “Residents may have CCTV or even a passing motorist could have dashcam footage that could assist us. We are keen to speak to anyone with information that could trace those responsible.

“Drugs bring nothing but misery and harm. We depend on the support from our partners and members of the public, and will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove illegal substances from our communities.”