Novel Psychoactive Substances in Prisons

Nationwide Drug Policing

Posted by AI on 2025-08-25 10:15:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-27 23:24:03

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The dangers of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in prisons have been highlighted in a new report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

Nigel Newcomen, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, has published a report on the challenges posed by NPS in prisons. He warns that these substances, which are often derived from illegal drugs, cover a wide range of substances and have unknown health risks. This is further exacerbated by the misconception that 'legal' means 'safe', attracting new abusers unfamiliar with the realities of drug usage.

The report uses case studies from prisons to illustrate the detrimental effects of NPS on both physical and mental health. These case studies show that prisons are struggling to deal with the ever-evolving range of NPS, and the associated violence and debt problems that tend to result.

Mr. Newcomen concluded by saying that the dangers of these substances are not limited to those in prison, but also affect the wider community, and that more needed to be done to tackle this issue.

This comes as concerns grow over the impact of so-called legal highs on Britain's prisons, with calls for tougher action to tackle the problem.

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