CONCERNS have been raised over the use of drugs at a Co Derry prison.
Details are contained in a new inspection report of Magilligan Prison carried out by officials from Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and the HM Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales.
In the report, which is published today, Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales, said the use of illegal and other drugs is a central concern.
“The use of illegal drugs and diverted prescription medication was a key area of concern for inspectors," he said.
"Half of all prisoners who responded to our prisoner survey said they had a drug problem before arriving at Magilligan and almost one third said they had developed a problem with drugs or medication not prescribed to them while there. Both figures had increased substantially since 2017."
He added that drug tests showed a higher rate of abuse than normal at Magilligan.
"Despite the efforts of the security team who were focused on reducing the supply of illegal substances entering the prison and their associated risks, random mandatory drug testing data showed an average higher rate of positive tests than at most similar prisons," he said.
Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice for Northern Ireland, added that although "a drug and alcohol strategy and associated action plan were now in place, they were not yet effective in addressing the supply of illicit drugs within the prison".
"Inspectors recommend the drug strategy action plan should be up to date, widely communicated and closely tracked to reduce the supply and demand for drugs and alcohol at Magilligan,” she said.
Ms Durkin said access to opportunities were being held up.
"Access to the regime was restricted and opportunities for prisoners to participate in meaningful purposeful activity including learning and skills development, with individuals or in small groups in a safe environment, were not being realised."
She urged senior officials to show "greater ambition" in the approach to pandemic recovery.
"We urge leadership and staff at Magilligan to show greater ambition in their approach to pandemic recovery, by increasing the pace of regime recovery when they can, responsive to phases of the pandemic while continuing to be mindful of the need to maintain a safe environment,” Ms Durkin said.
The inspectors praised a decision by prison authorities to keep inmates unlocked for much of the day during the pandemic.
