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<p>Prisons in England and Wales take a zero tolerance approach to illicit drugs. We
have a comprehensive range of security measures and searching techniques in place
to detect drugs, and to prevent smuggling into prisons. We are about to pilot the
use of body scanners to reveal drugs concealed within the body, we have introduced
specific dog training to allow dogs to detect new psychoactive substances (NPS) and
will introduce widespread drug testing of prisoners for NPS as part of the national
mandatory drug testing programme in April 2016. We have also made it illegal to smuggle
NPS into prisons. We are working with the Department of Health and others to improve
our understanding of the risks NPS present for offenders and to provide appropriate
information, guidance and support to offenders and those working with them in prison.
Anyone caught with any drugs in prison will be severely dealt with. Punishments available
include closed visits, loss of privileges and up to 42 days added to their time in
custody. Where prisoners are caught with controlled drugs, we will work with the police
to consider prosecution and a further sentence.</p>
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