Released Addiewell inmates test positive for illegal drugs.

Jan 6 2011 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

prison

ALMOST a third of inmates being released from Addiewell Prison tested positive for illegal drugs.

New figures showed that of 69 prisoners tested in the period covering 2009/10, 28 per cent gave a positive result.

The statistics, released by Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland, also revealed that in the same period, of 62 prisoners tested entering the privately-run prison, 66 per cent gave a positive result for illegal drugs, with 39 per cent using heroin.

Another study of methadone prescriptions revealed that of around 700 Addiewell inmates, 159 were being given the heroin substitute at the end of last year.

This is the same number recorded for Saughton Prison in Edinburgh – which has around 770 inmates.

The prison is run by Sodexo Justice Services, formerly Kalyx.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We place great emphasis on preventing drugs from entering the prison.

“However, in common with all prisons, many prisoners are admitted with a wide range of addiction-related problems.

“We work closely with a range of partners to encourage prisoners to address these issues whilst they are in prison, in preparation for, and following their release.”

Livingston MSP Angela Constance said working with offenders to help them beat their addiction was of paramount importance.

She said: “The link between drug abuse and crime is well known and consequently there is now more of a focus on treating addictions within the community and within prison.

“Working with offenders to help them beat their addictions is crucial to improving community safety.

“It is not easy work but work that must continue if we are to get more offenders off drugs.

“There is always more to be done in striving for a safer Scotland.”

Addiewell has often found itself in the news since it opened in December 2008.

Figures released in May 2009 showed the jail was second in league tables for assaults by prisoners on each other and for attacks by prisoners on members of staff.

In February that year up to 40 inmates rioted in the Douglas Hall section of the prison, barricading themselves into the wing and smashing up equipment during a three-hour stand-off with prison officers.

And in October, 20 inmates were involved in a six-hour disturbance causing £5000 of damage and leaving four prison officers and a guard injured.