Forbidden Items Found in Prisoners' Cells A Year in Review
In the world of prisons across Merseyside and North Wales, the Ministry of Justice has compiled a list of confiscated items found in the cells of HMP Liverpool, HMP Altcourse, and HMP Berwyn from April 2022 to March 2023. Here’s a breakdown of what was discovered:
HMP Altcourse
- Psychoactive substances incidents remained consistent at 59, the same as the previous year.
- Incidents involving cannabis dropped from 194 to 138.
- Cocaine, ketamine, steroids, and heroin were among the finds.
- Mobile phones increased to 137 from 116, and sim cards went up from 52 to 53.
- 64 weapons were uncovered, slightly fewer than the 71 found the previous year.
- Alcohol incidents increased to 44 from 30.
HMP Liverpool
- Drug incidents decreased from 283 to 143, with a significant drop in cannabis recoveries from 171 to 73.
- Cocaine, ketamine, psychoactive substances, and steroids were also discovered.
- Mobile phones dropped from 238 to 143, and sim cards decreased from 140 to 90.
- 53 weapons were found, down from 65.
- Alcohol incidents increased to 32 from 30.
HMP Berwyn
- Reported drug incidents decreased from 230 to 199.
- Cannabis confiscations increased from 30 to 56.
- Cocaine, ketamine, psychoactive substances, and steroids were among the finds.
- Weapons were found in 216 incidents.
- Alcohol episodes decreased from 409 to 332.
- Mobile phones dropped from 309 to 196, and sim cards numbered 117.
These statistics provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by prison authorities in curbing contraband within their facilities. While some substances have seen a decrease, others have shown a concerning rise. The battle against illicit items in prisons continues, with security measures evolving to meet the challenge.
