Inverness Prison has seen a significant rise in seized items, including weapons and drugs, raising concerns about security and corruption.
Over the last 18 months, more than 10 weapons have been taken from inmates. It’s a bit shocking, right? They’ve also found drugs, mobile phones, and other contraband at Porterfield Prison from May 2023 to November 2024.
Razor blades were the most common weapons, but there were some pretty unusual items too, like a sharpened toilet brush handle and even a shard of glass. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) shared these details after a Freedom of Information request from The Inverness Courier.
In total, they found 160 drug-related items, mostly non-prescribed medications, but also some cocaine and new psychoactive substances like Spice. And get this, 18 mobile phones were seized, with some being SPS-issued phones that were deemed illegal.
Other confiscated items included needles, bottles of fermenting fruit, tobacco, and even makeshift smoking devices. When asked how these items get into the prison, an SPS spokesperson said they can’t pinpoint exact methods, but they mentioned a few possibilities like secretive introductions during visits or even being thrown over the walls.
Last month, Scott Watson, the governor of HMP Inverness, mentioned that despite the hard work of the staff, drugs still find their way in. He also noted an increase in reports of corruption among prison staff, saying that while most staff are honest, a few do get involved with organized crime groups and may accept bribes. It’s a tough situation, but they’re working hard to combat it.
