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<p>We are committed to tackling the smuggling of all illicit items into prisons, including
drugs and communication devices such as mobile phones.</p><p>We completed the £100
million Security Investment Programme in March 2022, which included funding to bolster
physical security measures. This investment delivered 75 additional X-ray body scanners,
resulting in full coverage across the closed adult male estate. As of October 2023,
we had recorded 46,925 positive indications, helping to tackle the supply of drugs
and mobile phones into prisons. We also deployed Enhanced Gate Security to 42 high-risk
prisons under this investment, implementing routine searching of staff and visitors.
This included 659 dedicated staff, 154 drug sniffing dogs and over 200 pieces of equipment.</p><p>We
have 165 drug trace detection machines across the prison estate to prevent the smuggling
of drugs, such as psychoactive substances, through the mail. The rollout of an additional
20 next-generation devices was completed in March 2024, meaning every public section
prison now has this next-generation equipment.</p><p>X-ray baggage scanners have been
installed at 49 sites (45 prisons and 4 learning centres) building on the rollout
of our X-ray body scanners, gate security and drug trace detection machines.</p><p>New
airspace restrictions took effect on 25 January 2024 to create 400 metre flight restriction
zones around all closed prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales.
These will ensure swift action is taken against criminal drone activity, including
the smuggling of illicit items.</p>
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