Drugs & violence crisis can't go on

Union chief urges fresh start in Scotland's overcrowded jails

- BY CHRIS MCCALL

SCOTLAND'S crammed jails are gripped by "increasing levels of drugs misuse and violence", the SNP government has been warned.

The Prison Officers' Association (POA), which represents 4000 Scots staff, blamed the influence of organised criminal gangs as well as the ongoing overcrowding crisis.

In a New Year message to members, POA chief Phil Fairlie warned: "We simply cannot go on as we did in 2025"

It comes after SNP ministers were again forced to order the early release of hundreds of inmates this year to ease the pressure on crammed jails.