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Drug seizures and illicit alcohol use rise at HMP Winchester, report reveals
Overview
A report by independent monitors reveals that drug seizures have more than doubled over a year at HMP Winchester, where half of prisoners tested positive in mandatory drug tests in February. The facility faces issues with overcrowding, understaffing, and the brewing of illegal alcohol known as hooch. In response to nationwide prison crises, the Ministry of Justice has announced measures including expanded substance-free living units and an independent review.
Key points
- Drug seizures at HMP Winchester increased by 114% over a 12-month period.
- In February, half of all prisoners subjected to mandatory drug tests at the prison tested positive.
- Inmates confiscated hundreds of litres of 'hooch', with 331 litres seized in the year leading up to the end of May.
- Smuggling methods include drones, items thrown over walls, and drug-infused letters detected using itemiser machines.
- The Ministry of Justice stated it inherited a prison system in crisis and is expanding substance-free living units alongside an independent review.