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<p>HMPPS measures the prevalence of drug use in prisons through random mandatory drug
testing of prisoners. These test for a wide range of drugs including psychoactive
substances as defined in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. In 2017/18, 20.4% of
samples tested positive for drugs.</p><p> </p><p>Psychoactive Substances (PS), as
defined in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, are the most prevalent drug type
in prison. Psychoactive substances were present in 60% of all positive samples in
2017/18, overtaking cannabis (28%), opiates (11%) and buprenorphine (10%). HMPPS is
continuing to develop its drug testing frameworks to respond to the changing patterns
of misuse in prisons.</p><p> </p><p>Drugs can enter prison through a number of routes
including being thrown over the wall or flown over by drone, via mail, visits, forced
recalls (offenders who intentionally breach their licence in order to be recalled),
and corrupt staff. The extent to which individual routes are used varies over time
and across the estate and is influenced by a range of static and dynamic factors.
HMPPS monitors these routes by gathering intelligence and working with law enforcement
partners.</p><p> </p><p>HMPPS is working with unions, independent scientists and clinicians
to assess the impact of secondary exposure to psychoactive substances on staff and
prisoners. A program of staff post-exposure biological testing is being expanded and
will explore prisoner and staff experiences of secondary exposure to assess the risk.</p><p>
</p><p>To respond to the risk from drugs in prisons, we are strengthening our gate
and perimeter security, drafting specialist search teams into prisons across the country
and investing in physical and technical security counter measures. Alongside this,
HMPPS has developed a new, national Prison Drugs Strategy, published in April 2019.
The strategy outlines how HMPPS is working to restrict the supply of drugs, reduce
demand through rehabilitative activities, and support prisoners to build recovery
from substance misuse.</p>
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