Increased security is needed to stop drugs from being smuggled into English and Welsh prisons, a former chief constable is expected to say later.
Increased security is needed to stop drugs from being smuggled into English and Welsh prisons, a former chief constable is expected to say later.
David Blakey's report is likely to call for greater use of equipment to detect and bar mobile phones, used by dealers.
David Blakey's report is likely to call for greater use of equipment to detect and bar mobile phones, used by dealers.
It will likely say that drugs in jails cannot be eliminated, but that further steps should be taken to limit supply.
It will likely say that drugs in jails cannot be eliminated, but that further steps should be taken to limit supply.
The ratio of inmates testing positive is falling, but anecdotal evidence suggests the problem is getting worse.
The ratio of inmates testing positive is falling, but anecdotal evidence suggests the problem is getting worse.
Official figures show that drug seizures rose 12% in two years.
Official figures show that drug seizures rose 12% in two years.
Prison visits
Prison visits
According to BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw, Mr Blakey is thought to support the use of equipment to detect and bar mobile phones - used by prison drug dealers.
According to BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw, Mr Blakey is thought to support the use of equipment to detect and bar mobile phones - used by prison drug dealers.
A highly-sensitive metal-detecting chair, which prisoners have to sit in, is already being used in some jails.
A highly-sensitive metal-detecting chair, which prisoners have to sit in, is already being used in some jails.
The report also looks at the arrangements for prison visitors.
The report also looks at the arrangements for prison visitors.
Ministers have indicated they may increase security on visits to stop drugs being passed to inmates.
Ministers have indicated they may increase security on visits to stop drugs being passed to inmates.
The government estimates that more than half the prison population are regular drug users.
The government estimates that 55% of prisoners are considered to be problem drug users when they are admitted.
England's largest jail, Wandsworth, has estimated that about £1m worth of drugs was trafficked within the prison last year.
England's largest jail, Wandsworth, has estimated that about £1m worth of drugs was trafficked within the prison last year.
Have you been affected by the issues in this story? Can these measures tackle drug smuggling in prisons? How bad is the problem of drugs in prisons? Send us your comments using the form below.
Have you been affected by the issues in this story? Can these measures tackle drug smuggling in prisons? How bad is the problem of drugs in prisons? Send us your comments using the form below.
