A confidential hotline has been set up to allow prisoners and visitors report people smuggling in Irish jails.
The Irish Prison Service said the new hotline will help tackle the drug problem in prisons.
“This service is aimed at addressing the wider drug problem in our prisons. It allows people and prisoners to help stop the problem,” said director general Michael Donnellan. “Visitors who see instances of smuggling can call it and prisoners will be able to call the number using their phone cards”.
Mr Donnellan said people can be intimidated into smuggling contraband into prison. “This is a public issue, we must not be silent,” he said.
“Calls aren’t recorded – it’s a 100 per cent confidential line. Vulnerable prisoners will be able to make use of the service if they’re cautious about reporting instances of smuggling or illegal contraband to the governer,” a Garda spokesman said.
“There are gang structures among prisoners and we’re aware that the tool can be used by rival gangs in prison. Drugs are very profitable inside prison walls - this is a currency issue,” he said.
The Irish Prison Service made 986 drug seizures in 2014 and 418 seizures so far this year.
The most commonly confiscated items include homemade metal weapons and double edged razor blades which prevent the victim’s wounds being stitched, leaving a permanent scar. Prescribed medication has taken over from heroin as the most common drug found in prisons.
Prisoners with drug addictions must also be helped and treated, according to Mr Donnellan. “We believe that when people are offered rehabiliation services, they take it,” he said.
In 2014, 11,000 counselling sessions were held with 2,888 prisoners making use of the services, a 13 per cent increase comapred with the previous year.
“The problem has gotten so serious, it has to work. Drugs fuel violence and mental instability in prisoners. It’s putting a strain on prison resources. When an officer sees an instance of drug use or violence, they don’t stand back, they always intervene,” he added.
The anti-trafficking telephone line will be open from 8am to 8pm at 1800 855 717.