Three hospitalised after overdosing on Spice at Midland's Prison

One of the men collapsed in the Midland's Prison yard this morning

Three prisoners have been taken to hospital suspected of overdosing on the synthetic drug Spice.

One of the men collapsed in the Midland's Prison yard this morning. A second man collapsed at about 11.30am in the prison and a third was also taken to Portlaoise General Hospital around 4pm today.

It is hoped that blood and urine samples taken in the hospital will confirm what drug they took, sources say.

All three men are from the D division in the Midland's Prison.

Extra night guards are being brought to the prison tonight in case more prisoners take the drug and fall ill.

The prisoners are all stable and are being treated in hospital.

They are the latest in a spate of overdoses in prisons linked to the synthetic drug in recent weeks.

Spice is a name for synthetic cannabinoids. These chemicals were designed to mimic cannabis but they have been known to be more dangerous and unpredictable.

The Irish Prison Service has been contacted for comment.