Report Highlights Over a Third of Ex-Prisoner Deaths in Wales Linked to Drugs

More than a third of deaths among former prisoners on probation in Wales in a 2024-25 period were drug-related, according to a new report from the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University. The findings indicate a significantly higher proportion compared to England and Wales as a whole.

The report urges politicians to address what it describes as "systematic failures" within the criminal justice system. Dr. Robert Jones, the report's author, called upon both the UK and Welsh governments to find solutions to the "tragic" situation.

According to the report, 37% of all deaths among prison leavers supervised by probation in Wales during 2024-25 were drug-related. Specifically, 19 out of 52 deaths involved drug poisonings where the intent was undetermined. This figure represents 37% of the total deaths in this category, a proportion substantially higher than the 21% recorded across England and Wales collectively, where it accounted for 131 out of 620 deaths.

Criminal justice in Wales is currently controlled by Westminster. The Welsh government, led by Plaid Cymru, and previously by Labour, has advocated for the devolution of these powers. Dr. Jones stated that social policy areas such as substance use, housing, education, and local government are devolved to the Welsh government. This division can lead to criminal justice matters falling between national and devolved debates.

"So what tends to happen is that criminal justice matters can often fall between the gaps between debates in the Senedd and debates in Westminster," Jones explained. He added that the report raises "important questions about the current devolution settlement and whether the Welsh government has the powers and levers necessary to address the underlying causes of many of the challenges facing Wales."

David Bennett from Wallich, a homelessness charity in Wales, commented that most drug-related deaths are preventable if drug use is treated as a health issue rather than a criminal justice one. He emphasized the need for a joined-up approach between housing, health, and justice services and suggested that without coordinated support, prison leavers are "being set up to fail."

The report also highlights a rise in homelessness among former prisoners in Wales. The number of individuals leaving prison and supervised by Welsh probation services who were recorded as rough sleeping on their release day increased by 24% in 2025-26. In total, 695 prison leavers managed by Welsh probation services were rough sleeping on release.

Other findings from the report include that 39% of custodial sentences given to women in Wales in 2025 were for shoplifting offenses. Additionally, people from black ethnic groups in Wales remain the most overrepresented ethnic group in the prison population, with 58 black individuals per 10,000 of the population in prison, compared to 15 white individuals per 10,000.

A spokesperson for the Welsh government acknowledged that "every drug-related death is a tragedy" and stated that the government is working with various partners to reduce harms from substance misuse through early intervention, prevention, treatment, and recovery support. The spokesperson also asserted that the findings "strengthen the case for the full devolution of justice to Wales," arguing it would enable a more effective and joined-up approach.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson noted that the UK government is investing over £3.4 million in services in Wales to help prison leavers overcome addiction. They also stated that prisoners at risk of homelessness can be offered temporary accommodation.