Scores die as epidemic of ‘Spice’ drug sweeps jails

A DESIGNER drug known as Spice is being smuggled into jails – by being impregnated into letters, newspapers and magazines, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The odourless, colourless substance – which has a similar effect on the body to cannabis – is almost impossible to detect and is routinely being posted to inmates.

A tiny scrap of paper impregnated with the drug can then be rolled into a cigarette and smoked to achieve a high.

New figures from Prisons Ombudsman Nigel Newcomen reveal that in the 30 months to January this year, 58 deaths in jails were linked to Spice and other synthetic drugs known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). The figure is three times higher than the previous 30-month period.

The drugs have also been blamed for a 40 per cent rise in attacks on prison staff in the last year, while rates of self-harm and suicide have risen by almost 30 per cent.

Steve Gillan, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said: ‘We have become aware of the ingenious ways they are bringing these drugs into prison. Letters, blotting paper and magazines are impregnated and brought in.’

Designer drugs sold with brand names such as Spice and Black Mamba were known as ‘legal highs’ until the Government banned them earlier this year. Although they sell on the streets for as little as £3 a gram, they can cost £100 a gram in prisons.

In reforms announced by Justice Secretary Liz Truss last week, those caught with NPS will face a maximum sentence of two years. New drug tests in prisons will include NPS, and inmates who test positive could face having six months added to their terms.

Ms Truss said: ‘These drugs are wreaking havoc in our jails and ruining lives. Our decision gives governors and staff more powers to combat this threat and stem the flow of these appalling drugs.’