asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many times illegal drugs were found in prisons in Northern Ireland in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and what convictions there were as a result. [HL4214]
The total number of illegal drugs finds in Northern Ireland prisons in these years was:
2004 355 2005 360 2006 336 2007 405
The figures include all finds, whether on visitors or inside the establishment; they also include prescription medicines issued within the establishment but in unauthorised possession. Where a visitor to a prison is found to be in possession of illegal drugs they are handed over to the police with a view to prosecution.
The case of any prisoner found in possession of drugs is also carefully considered; more serious cases will be brought to the attention of the police. Any other case will be dealt with through adjudication under the prison rules. The imposition of closed visits, or the banning of a visitor from the prison, may be considered in addition to any award made to the prisoner.
The Prison Service does not hold information on the outcome of cases handed over to the police.