Common Sense on drug abuse: Scottish Conservatives want mandatory testing and drug-free wings in jail

Scottish Conservatives want a package of measures to cut drug abuse in prison, which will lead to better rehabilitation and a reduction in reoffending.

Speaking outside Perth Prison, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said:

"So much crime in Scotland is fuelled by drugs. We know that for every £1 spent on drug rehabilitation, almost £10 is saved in policing, court, healthcare and other social costs. Scottish Conservatives worked relentlessly to create a new national drugs strategy, based on recovery and leading to abstinence.

"We also want tougher measures to crack down on drug abuse in our jails but at the moment this is not happening. Last year Scottish Conservatives revealed a 37% rise in the number of prisoners being prescribed methadone, with just one in five of those being given a reducing dose. So whilst some people might say it is a positive step that these prisoners are being taken off heroin and onto methadone, only 20% of them are moving towards abstinence.

"Scottish Conservatives want all prisoners to be subjected to a drugs test upon their arrival in jail and subject to random drug testing thereafter. This testing must be comprehensive, robust and consistent.

"In addition to the screening of all visitors, we also want drug free wings in every institution where prisoners who want to come off drugs can be removed from the availability and the temptation of drugs. In prison and outside, we will institute a national review on the implementation of the national drugs strategy.

"It is common sense to pursue these measures because they would mean lower re-offending, less crime and a safer prison environment. It will be good for addicts, good for their families and good for society as a whole. Every voter in every seat in every region of Scotland can vote for these common sense policies on May 5th."

Back to all posts