A SIGNIFICANT haul of drugs and mobile phones have been found at HMP Hewell following an operation by prison staff.
The items were recovered during the pre-planned operation targeting illegal contraband at the prison located between Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Prison staff from across the country were involved and were supported by specialist search teams and dogs.
They confiscated 79 mobile phones, 29 improvised weapons, over 50 litres of alcohol, and a large quantity of drugs, said Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah.
The operation formed part of a much wider strategy to tackle the most pressing threats to security in prisons and was backed by a strengthening of the frontline with 2,500 additional prison officers by 2018.
Mr Gyimah said: “I am determined to stem the flow of drugs into our prisons.
“This operation highlights the value of intelligence led and multi-agency operations.
“This shows the determination of prison staff to disrupt this behaviour, while sending a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of activity.
“Those who peddle drugs in an attempt to thwart reform should face the full force of the law, which means a police investigation and extra time behind bars.
“I want to pay tribute to the prison staff for their efforts and dedication to preventing contraband from getting into their prisons, which we know as a detrimental impact on stability and progress.”
Gareth Sands Governor at HMP Hewell added: “Improving safety and security at HMP Hewell is my main priority.
“This operation had been in the making for a number of months, and I am pleased to see such positive results.
“I am grateful for the hard work of all those involved.
“There have been good levels of order and control following the operation as we continue to drive performance improvement in a number of areas across the prison.”
The Government is stepping up action to tackle the supply and use of drugs, including using an innovative drug testing programme, the training of more than 300 specialist drug dogs and upgrades to CCTV cameras across the estate.
Body worn cameras have also been introduced and £2million spent on handheld mobile phone detectors.
Another £2million is being spent on detection equipment and legislation to block phones from being used in prisons.
