Policy Hub
On 27 October 2005, the Home Office (HO) published a report (Tackling prison drug markets: an exploratory qualitative study) which presents the main findings from an exploratory study of drug supply and demand in six local prisons (five male and one female) in England.
Interviews with prisoners and ex-prisoners indicated that illicit drug use was occurring in all six prisons and, although the amounts involved were often small, some prisoners were able to use on a semi-regular basis and sustain a low-level drug dependency.
Four main illicit drugs (heroin, cannabis, non-prescribed medication and crack cocaine) were reported to be in circulation and were supplied through six different routes (social visits, mail, newly arrived prisoners, staff, over the perimeter and after court appearances).
Interviews with prisoners and ex-prisoners indicated that the drug market operated at different levels; there was evidence of more organised dealing in some of the prisons.
Security measures and detoxification programmes appeared to have a dual impact on drug supply and demand, particularly in terms of supply route displacement and the demand for non-prescribed medication
The full report can be viewed on the HO website (pdf).