X-ray scanners thwart prison contraband smuggling

AIRPORT-STYLE security scanners have disrupted nearly 20,000 attempts to smuggle drugs and weapons into prisons over two years, officials have said.

More than 70 advanced X-ray body scanners have been installed in all closed male prisons, providing staff with sharp images of concealed contraband. Biometric identification for visitors and drug-trace machines are also stemming the flow of dangerous items entering prison, according to the Ministry of Justice.

Since the start of this year, 42 of the most challenging prisons have also been equipped with machines that can detect microscopic traces of new psychoactive substances – formerly known as legal highs – on mail and clothes.

There are also new metal detection archways, hand-held scanners and extra drug dogs at the gates of these institutions, with visitors subject to biometric identification.

This is part of a 10-year drugs strategy, unveiled in December, which is attempting to end the cycle of addiction and repeat offending, including a £100 million investment in security technology for jails.

The proposals, put forward in a White Paper, pledged airport-style security being installed in all newlybuilt prisons and set new targets for prison governors to root out drugs and rehabilitate inmates.

Abstinence therapy was among a range of treatments promised to help offenders with addictions, while those leaving custody were to have access to a new education service to assist them in finding work.

Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, said: “With this innovative new technology, we are enforcing our zero tolerance approach to drugs, knives and mobile phones in prisons.

“Illicit contraband endangers our hard-working staff and thwarts the efforts of other prisoners who are serious about their rehabilitation.”