Prison drug seizures 'up on 2007'

Drug seizures at the Isle of Man prison have already exceeded the total found in 2007, the government says.

Cannabis, cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of £2,371 have been seized by prison officers, mostly from the grounds of the jail.

Managers are attributing the rise to an increase in sweeps of the prison yard and more searches by prison drug dogs, but say they remain concerned.

Last year, the total estimated street value of drugs seized was £737.

Offenders targeted

Home Affairs Minister Martyn Quayle said: "The prison management is concerned by the number of people trying to supply drugs.

"Most drugs are being thrown over the prison wall and prison authorities are working with police to ensure they are seized and the culprits brought to justice."

Despite the rise in drugs being found, the prison's random drug testing of inmates has found fewer testing positive.

Police have increased high visibility policing of Victoria Road in a bid to deter offenders, and yard patrols have been increased.

Authorities say anyone found bringing drugs into the prison could be charged with attempting to supply drugs to the prison, which could lead to a "substantial prison sentence".