Murdo Fraser MSP has described the number of illegal drugs finds in Perth Prison as “alarming” and is calling on the SNP Government to “get a grip” in dealing with the issue.
The politician was reacting to figures provided to the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information, which show that an astounding 540 inmates at the prison were found with drugs either on their person or in their cells over two years - with all kinds of substances being found, ranging from the ‘zombie-drug’ SPICE, heroin, methadone, ketamine, diazepam, cocaine to cannabis.
The finds, which also revealed that there were 362 incidents at Perth Prison when drugs were recovered from prisoners or in their cells, were made from November 2019 to November 2021.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “These drugs finds are alarming. I am very concerned to know that there were so many inmates at Perth Prison who were found with illegal drugs during this two-year period, which includes the pandemic.
“It shows that drugs are rife in Perth Prison and indicates that they must be smuggled in to the inmates, which will obviously be a concern for the Scottish Prison Service.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I know some of my Scottish Conservative colleagues have raised the issue of illegal drugs being found in prisons recently at Holyrood and have called on the SNP Government to address the issue. These finds at Perth Prison underline just how serious this issue is and emphasise how the SNP need to get a grip on the situation in order to address it.
“I know there will be a lot of residents who are concerned at these findings, but I feel it is important to thank prison staff for all that they do and to acknowledge that this is all happening despite their efforts.”
