Prisoners are now able to obtain weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and hair loss medications such as Minoxidil through organized crime gangs operating within correctional facilities, according to a report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. These "lifestyle drugs" have been added to an expanding list of contraband, which includes anabolic steroids, cannabis, ketamine, mobile phones, and chargers, smuggled in often via drones.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor stated that offenders can select illicit substances from a "menu" due to significant security vulnerabilities. The increasing sophistication and size of drone deliveries have transformed the prison drug market, allowing for the smuggling of parcels weighing several kilograms. Taylor warned that the Prison Service has "ceded the airspace" above jails to criminal organizations, and a failure to address this national security threat means many prisons are losing the battle against criminality.
Organized crime gangs reportedly operate with impunity, establishing successful prison networks that generate substantial profits. They exploit drug-addicted and mentally ill prisoners, whose families are often pressured to pay off debts to prevent violence against their relatives. While the report acknowledged the positive use of technology such as body scanners, CCTV, and drone countermeasures, progress has been hindered by a lack of basic physical security measures, including gate security, windows, and netting. At Manchester's Strangeways prison, for example, obtaining planning permission for essential window replacements to combat drones took an excessive amount of time.
The availability of illicit drugs remains the most significant threat to safety and stability in male prisons. A prisoner survey indicated that 41% of respondents found it easy to obtain drugs, a figure that rose to 57% in category B training prisons. Mandatory drug testing revealed high rates of use, with 46% of prisoners at Liverpool testing positive, and an estimated 50% at Swaleside, factoring in those who refused testing.
Prisons Minister Lord Timpson acknowledged the serious challenges highlighted in the report while also noting areas of progress, with 76% of recent inspections showing improvement. He announced an independent review led by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd to guide the next phase of reforms aimed at making prisons safer, strengthening rehabilitation, and improving public protection.