Northern Ireland

Prisoner Ombudsman publishes reports on Maghaberry drug overdoses

Prisoner Ombudsman reports have been published examining two drug overdose incidents at Maghaberry Prison. Picture by Michael Cooper
Prisoner Ombudsman reports have been published examining two drug overdose incidents at Maghaberry Prison. Picture by Michael Cooper Prisoner Ombudsman reports have been published examining two drug overdose incidents at Maghaberry Prison. Picture by Michael Cooper

TWO reports into incidents involving non-fatal drug overdoses at Maghaberry Prison have been published.

Prisoner Ombudsman Dr Lesley Carroll said the investigations aimed to establish "whether any lessons may be learned and to promote best practice in the care of prisoners".

In the first incident, involving a prisoner found unresponsive in his cell after his first night in custody, the drugs were either concealed through swallowing or leaked internally.

The report found that information the prisoner had been unwell while at court prior to his committal was not passed on to prison staff.

It also highlighted the need for the prison service to look towards new search technology to deter drug smuggling.

The second report dealt with a prisoner found in a critical condition in February 2019.

It found that prison staff had been vigilant and had acted swiftly to rescue the inmate.

The ombudsman highlighted the "significant challenge" of drug misuse in prisons.

Prison Service director general Ronnie Armour said: "We are committed to tackling the issue head on with every measure at our disposal."