X-ray scanners stop 1,400 illegal items from being sneaked into jail

FULL body-scanning technology installed into 28 prisons has led to 1,376 illegal items being confiscated from visitors in just four months.

- David Maddox

The X-ray machines were introduced last year in some English and Welsh jails as part of a £100million package to tackle violence and security problems.

They have picked up items such as the potent synthetic drug Spice, morphine tablets, mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers and tobacco.

These banned items would have been destined for the prison wings, fuelling the illicit economy and potential violence.

Prisons and probation minister Lucy Frazer said: “Stop ping the flow of illegal items into jails is a huge priority for us.

“The scanners form part of our wider plan to step up security in prisons to cut crime and better protect the public.”