Home / Crime and Justice / Drug Crisis at HMP Lindholme: One in Three Inmates Test Positive
Drug Crisis at HMP Lindholme: One in Three Inmates Test Positive
1 Sep
Summary
- One in three inmates at HMP Lindholme tested positive for drugs in the last year.
- Over half of surveyed inmates found it easy to obtain drugs within the prison.
- Drug use at the prison is linked to safety concerns, bullying, and debts.
An inspection report has revealed a critical drug problem at HMP Lindholme, a Category C prison near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Over the past year, one in three inmates at the facility tested positive for drugs. This statistic is higher than in similar-sized prisons, although the rate has been declining recently.
The "continuing availability and use of illicit drugs" was identified as the most pressing challenge facing the prison. In a survey, 53% of respondents found it "easy" or "very easy" to obtain drugs inside, a figure comparable to other facilities of its kind.
Prison leaders have implemented measures such as increased suspicion testing, improved intelligence sharing, and partnership working with the police to detect contraband, including drone deliveries. However, the scale of drug use continues to have severe consequences, contributing to safety issues, bullying, and significant debts among prisoners.
Reported bullying has forced vulnerable men to take drugs, leading to fear and debt. The report also noted possible links between drug use and at least one death within the prison, with further investigations ongoing.
