Heroin being smuggled into Perth Prison increases by 500 per cent

Heroin seized by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) rose from 1.6 grams in 2013/14 to 9.5 grams in 2014/15.

A freedom of information (FOI) request showed the latest drug haul is nearly equal to the last three years combined.

Murdo Fraser MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife (pictured) praised prison staff for intercepting the drugs and said they must “one step ahead of the game” to deal with efforts to subvert the system.

The SPS said that the haul, which totals about £3,000 within the prison system, could have been seized while attempts were made to smuggle it at the perimeter wall or via incoming mail or property.

In addition, narcotics may have been found on guests during visits and also in the course of them being passed to prisoners.

Perth Sheriff Lindsay Foulis noted an increase in the number of people willing to risk punishment in order to smuggle drugs into the prison.

Mr Fraser said: “The Prison Service works hard to prevent prisoners getting a hold of weapons and drugs, but inmates are always thinking of new ways in which to smuggle contraband on to the prison estate, and it is important that prison officers remain one step ahead of the game.”

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “Any increase in the number of prohibited items being recovered within our establishments can be attributed to the professionalism and diligence of our staff…”