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Prison Drugs Easier Than Sugar, Coroner Warns
9 Dec, 2025
Summary
- New psychoactive substances readily available in prisons, coroner stated.
- Oliver Mulangala died of drug toxicity and seizure in his cell.
- Report highlights easy access to drugs and phones for inmates.
A coroner has urgently called for action after a prisoner's death at HMP High Down, highlighting an alarming accessibility of illicit substances within the facility. An inmate reportedly stated that obtaining drugs or a mobile phone was easier than getting sugar. This dire situation has prompted significant concern from authorities regarding prison safety and inmate welfare.
Oliver Mulangala, aged 40, was discovered deceased in his cell on July 13, 2024. An inquest determined his death to be drug-related, with contributing factors including a seizure and drug toxicity. The report from the prevention of future deaths noted the significant concern that new psychoactive substances are readily available within prisons.
The situation at HMP High Down, near Banstead in Surrey, has been further underscored by reports from prison officers describing drug use as a daily occurrence. A report in October 2023 also raised concerns about drug availability and use, noting HMP High Down had one of the highest positive drug testing rates in adult male prisons.
