An MSP has accused Justice Secretary Keith Brown of “dithering” on prison drug smuggling after nine overdose deaths this year at one jail.
The fatalities at HMP Shotts come amid fears “street valium” is being soaked into mail sent to prisoners. The Scottish Prison Officers Association has also warned of a “chaotic” situation at the jail.
A solution to drug-soaked mail is to give inmates photocopies but the Scottish Government has yet to pursue the policy over fears it could breach the Human Rights Act.
Scottish Tory shadow community safety minister Russell Findlay said: “Nine inmates have died this year alone and staff say that drugs were a factor in some of these deaths.
“Yet, inexplicably, Keith Brown dithers instead of stopping the drug-soaked mail.
“It’s disappointing that he’s refused an invitation to meet these experienced officers.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
