Prison Service ramp up searches to tackle drug smuggling in Portlaoise

The Irish Prison Service has ramped up its efforts to combat drug smuggling in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise and across the country. 

Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis.

Responding to a query from Leinster Express/Laois Live about the use of drones to drop contraband into exercise yards within the prison, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said "it does not comment on matters relating to prison security."

"However the Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband including drugs into prisons and continues to be a high priority for the Irish Prison Service. The Irish Prison Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out of prisons," they continued. 

"Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons. The Irish Prison Service continues to engage with An Garda Síochána with regard to preventing contraband entering our prison and this happens at both local and national level. The Operational Support Group work closely with their colleagues in An Garda Síochána on a regular basis and the sharing of intelligence has led to target searches resulting in the seizure of contraband.

"There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational. Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence."