Prisons: Illegal Drug Use

11 Mar

Question

The question session in the House of Commons centered on the critical issue of illegal drug use in prisons, an area indicating different trends and outcomes requiring policy scrutiny and potential adaptation. Dr. Luke Evans raised concerns about the changing trends of drug use within prisons, highlighting how steroids have become increasingly prevalent. This shift potentially influences both the prison environment and rehabilitation outcomes. Dr. Evans emphasized the necessity for crackdowns on drug supply and demand within prisons, suggesting that strategic implementations such as drug-free wings and advanced screening technology are pivotal to future strategies.

80 prisons now have drug-free wings

Reflective of efforts to reduce drug demand within prisons.

Anabolic steroids detected in 10% of drugs in Scottish prisons in 2023

Indicates a significant increase and a new trend in drug usage within the prison system.

Shabana Mahmood acknowledged Dr. Evans's contributions to the debate, signifying a collaborative willingness to explore further research into anabolic steroids, acknowledging their increasing prevalence.

Outcome

The debate has spurred an agreement to facilitate further investigation into steroid usage in prisons. There is an acknowledgment of the importance of research partnerships with experts from academic institutions like Imperial College to understand the broader implications.

Key Contributions

Dr Luke Evans

Conservative

Highlighted the ongoing crisis in prisons with references to overcrowding and violence.

Shabana Mahmood

Acknowledged Dr. Evans's experience in campaigning against prison drug issues.

Original Transcript

Dr Luke Evans

Hinckley and Bosworth

Con

Question

UIN: 903117

10. What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of illegal drug use in prisons.

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

Shabana Mahmood

11:59

This Government inherited prisons in crisis: overcrowded, violent and rife with drugs. If we are to have regimes that reduce reoffending and cut crime, we have to crack down on drugs in prison.

To do so, we must address the supply of drugs, and prisons use a range of tactics, including X-ray body scanners and baggage scanners. We must also tackle demand. Over 80 of our prisons now have drug-free wings.

Dr Evans

11:59

Before 2021, less than 1% of seized substances contained anabolic steroids. In 2023, it was 10%, with anabolic steroids being the third most prevalent drug class detected in Scottish prisons.

Will the Lord Chancellor meet me and Dr Jayasena and Dr Grant, who are national leads on the topic from Imperial College, to look at conducting research into the impact of steroids on offending and the prison population?

Shabana Mahmood

I pay tribute to the hon. Member for his long record of campaigning on this particular issue. It is an important point, and I will ensure that he can meet the Prisons Minister and look at what further research might be needed in this area.

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