On Christmas Day, several inmates in a Scottish prison were hospitalized after consuming drugs thought to be delivered by drones
Clackmannanshire: On Christmas Day, a bunch of inmates at HMP Glenochil ended up in the hospital after taking some dodgy drugs. These drugs were believed to have been delivered by drones, which is pretty wild.
Reports say around 35 prisoners were under the influence, and five of them needed hospital treatment. The prison staff also found more drugs, weapons, and mobile phones during the chaos.
All the prisoners who were hospitalized are now okay, and the Scottish Prison Service is teaming up with Police Scotland to tackle the security breaches.
This incident comes after a Daily Record investigation showed that criminal gangs are flooding prisons with drugs and weapons. In 2024 alone, the SPS intercepted at least nine drones, with many more believed to have successfully delivered drugs.
One drone, which was a six-rotor UAV worth over £1,000, was modified to carry drugs and phones into HMP Perth last year. It had three parcels attached, likely meant for different gang members outside the prison.
The ongoing drug trade is causing a lot of trouble, leading to violence and intimidation inside the prisons, which are already struggling to cope.
HMP Glenochil, like other Scottish jails, is dealing with a record number of inmates, pushing the system to its limits. A recent report revealed that over 65,000 working days were lost due to staff illness, with many feeling “tired and broken.”
There’s been a sharp rise in gang violence behind bars, with a 72 percent increase in attacks over the last two years. The SPS has intercepted various phones and drugs this year, showing just how serious the situation is.
Tony Martin from the SPS mentioned that many of the pills coming in are mixed substances, and they can’t predict their strength or effects until it’s too late.
Last year, inmates at HMP Glenochil protested about their conditions, asking for more activities and time outside their cells, which led to some property damage.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said that any attempt to bring in illegal substances, especially by drone, is a big threat to everyone’s safety. They’re committed to using all available tools to prevent this from happening.
