Progress tackling prison's drug culture 'far from sufficient'

COMBATING a North East prisons “entrenched drug culture” has been limited since concerns were raised in December 2024, a watchdog has found.

- 

> HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle, County Durham

HM Inspectorate of Prisons said that while there had been a “slight decline” in the number of positive drugs tests at HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle, County Durham since its last inspection, progress had been “far from sufficient” at the category C waining prison.

Inspectors recognised that there had been “commendable efforts” from staff in tackling a “deeply embedded drug culture” when they revisited the prison last month, including a well-attended monthly drug meeting.

They also praised new measures such as upgraded CCTV in the visits room and new security gates, where all staff and visitors are searched before entering the prison.