A guard has been arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle drugs into a Birmingham prison. Suspicions were raised after the 35-year-old prison officer was searched on his return from a lunch break at HMP Birmingham.
A package believed to contain psychoactive powder – formally known as a legal high – was recovered from a rubbish bin, while a roll of gaffer tape and suspected cannabis leaf were apparently found in the guard’s car.
The man, from Kingstanding, was detained at the Winson Green prison yesterday, and the substances have been sent for forensic analysis. He has been arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply, supplying a psychoactive substance into a prison, and misconduct in a public office.
DC Jim Farrell of West Midlands police said: “Drugs and psychoactive substances are illegal in prison … the effects of drugs can impact negatively on the behaviour of prisoners and increase the likelihood for violence and disorder.
“Anyone found in possession of a banned substance will be prosecuted. Equally, anyone who tries to convey drugs into the jail – either by hurling it over the perimeter wall or smuggling it in person – is likely to find themselves on the other side of the fence. They could face a lengthy jail term.”
The police force has a permanent investigation team inside the prison, focusing on contraband smuggling and violence behind bars. It was the first full time prison-based police unit in the country.
The director of HMP Birmingham, Peter Small, said: “We expect the highest standards of integrity from those working at the prison, and if there is any suggestion that a member of the team has undermined the good work of their colleagues, we will always take action.”
The Crown Prosecution Service had still to decide on Wednesday whether or not to charge the prison officer.
