Increase in drug and phone seizures in prisons

The Irish Prison Service has reported increases in materials being thrown over into prisons

An increased level of drug and mobile phone seizures were made in Irish prisons last year. More than double the rate detected in 2016.  Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The number of drugs and mobile phone seizures in Irish prisons last year reached their highest points for years and were more than double the level detected in 2016, driven by a rise in 'throw-over' attempts and attempted deliveries through the mail.

New figures from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) show that there were 1,546 seizures of drugs in 2021, up from 1,251 in 2020, and 1,378 seizures of phones, an increase from the 1,148 detections the previous year.