Hundreds of drug-related items confiscated from inmates in Glasgow prison since start of lockdown

A freedom of information request has shown that since the initial lockdown in March, HMP Barlinnie prison officers have confiscated 244 drugs including paraphernalia from 190 inmates.
By Hannah Brown
Published 1st Jan 2021, 16:45 BST
244 drug-related items, 22 weapons, four tobacco products, one alcoholic item, a watch and an 'inappropriate mail item' were confiscated from Barlinnie prison in Glasgow during lockdown this year(Photo: Danny Lawson).244 drug-related items, 22 weapons, four tobacco products, one alcoholic item, a watch and an 'inappropriate mail item' were confiscated from Barlinnie prison in Glasgow during lockdown this year(Photo: Danny Lawson).
244 drug-related items, 22 weapons, four tobacco products, one alcoholic item, a watch and an 'inappropriate mail item' were confiscated from Barlinnie prison in Glasgow during lockdown this year(Photo: Danny Lawson).

The data released by the Scottish Prison Service covers the period between March 23 and November 30 this year.

It also revealed that 120 mobile phones were smuggled in for 97 inmates in the north east of Glasgow prison.

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22 weapons were confiscated from 22 prisoners and four tobacco related products were found to be in the possession of three prisoners.

Other confiscated items include one item of alcohol, a watch and ‘an inappropriate mail item.’

Responding to the confiscated items data, a spokesperson from the Scottish Prison Service said that they "recognise the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for their staff and those in their care” and a “comprehensive range of robust security measures are in place to prevent the introduction of contraband into our prisons.”

She added: "Any prohibited items being recovered within our establishments can be attributed to the professionalism and diligence of our staff and partners, advances in technology and the deployment of various methods of detection, such as intelligence gathering and tactical dog units.

"Anyone found in possession of contraband or attempting to smuggle such items into our prisons will reported to the appropriate authorities.”

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