Jail Library's Book Club Becomes Drug Den

At HMP Wayland, a prison library's book borrowing scheme was exposed as a cover for a drug-dealing operation. Staff became suspicious as prisoners showed an unusual interest in reading, discovering that crack cocaine, heroin, and spice were being trafficked. The library's environment, where inmates from different wings could interact, facilitated a wider market for these illicit substances.

In response to this discovery, prison authorities have implemented measures to restrict the number of prisoners allowed in the library. This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of drug use within prisons, a concern acknowledged by ministers who are taking action through the Sentencing Bill to stabilize the prison population and address key challenges.

The Justice Committee's report had previously warned about 'endemic' drug use in prisons, fostering a dangerous acceptance that needs to be broken. The report noted the widespread availability of illicit substances makes them inescapable for prisoners, with 39 percent finding drugs easy to obtain.

Separately, an initiative at HMP Wayland aimed at teaching prisoners stoicism and Greek philosophy has been linked to a significant reduction in assaults on staff and inmates. This program, focusing on inner resilience, has been well-received and is in high demand. However, the prison report also flagged extreme potency and low lethal doses of substances like Nitazenes and Fentanyl, noting the high risk of drug-related deaths, as tragically seen at HMP Parc.