Prisoner drug use rising as number caught hits new high

The number of prisoners disciplined for taking drugs in jail rose to almost 1,200 last year, according to a new report.

Statistics from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) show 1,164 adults and young offenders were caught during 2016/17, up from 1,133 the previous year.

The Scottish Conservatives said the increase - up from 634 in 2012/13 - represents a “worrying upward trend”.

However, the SPS said the rise in those caught and disciplined is welcome as it reflects heavy investment in measures to tackle drug use.

Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: “Yet again we see offenders continuing their criminality within prison.”