Fifteen people have been arrested over alleged drug dealing and smuggling at Scotland's newest prison.
Police Scotland's Operation Hambo targeted suspects allegedly linked to smuggling in psychoactive drugs - thought to include the so-called 'Zombie drug' Spice - to Addiwell Prison in Livingston, West Lothian.
Officers carried out raids in Renfrew, Paisley, backed by 'significant' searches and arrests at the jail - which opened in 2008 - have taken place over the past two days.
Ten prisoners, aged between 19 and 35, were arrested.
Two males, both 34, from North Lanarkshire and Edinburgh being arrested along with three women aged 57, 34 and 27 from the Renfrewshire area.
Eight men within the prison estate were charged in connection with the possession of drugs, while a further two were charged in connection with the sale and supply of drugs.
Three were also charged with mobile phone offences.
The three women from outwith the prison estate were charged in connection with the sale and supply of drugs. The two men were charged in connection with the possession of drugs.
Drugs recovered included New Psychoactive Substances, synthetic cannabis, heroin, cocaine and herbal cannabis.
Police Scotland is continuing to work closely with both Sodexo Justice Services, who operate HMP Addiewell, and the Scottish Prison Service; any drugs or associated criminal activity that is identified will be robustly responded to by all agencies.
Those arrested during this activity will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Superintendent Craig Smith of Police Scotland’s Lothians and Scottish Borders Division said: “This successful operation is the result of extensive intelligence and evidence-gathering work conducted by our officers, staff within HMP Addiewell and colleagues at the Scottish Prison Service. I’d like to thank our partners for their dedication and support in tackling this issue.
“The proliferation of drugs within the prison estate is a serious issue, which can severely hinder those individual’s chances of rehabilitation and addressing their offending behaviour.
“Tackling the misuse of drugs and their distribution is a top priority for Police Scotland. Rest assured that whenever such offences are brought to our attention, whether it’s in our communities or our prisons, we will work with the relevant organisations to bring those responsible to justice.”
Ian Whitehead, Director of HMP Addiewell, said: “Police Scotland’s early recognition of the problems posed by psychoactive substances in prison and associated criminal activity has allowed us to develop a unique partnership approach, taking robust action against those who attempt to introduce drugs to prisons.
“We will continue to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, working with Police Scotland through Operation Hambo and beyond, as well as NHS and other partner agencies to tackle this issue.
“The safety of our staff remains our top priority. We will continue to support those within our care suffering from substance misuse issues while every possible action is taken against those who attempt to introduce illicit items to the prison; and who take an active part in moving drugs within the establishment."
Tom Fox, Head of Corporate Affairs for the Scottish Prison Service, said: “We will continue to work with police and other agencies to address the problems caused by those trying to introduce contraband into prisons in Scotland.
“We devote a great deal of time and energy to tackling the problem of illicit drugs and other contraband entering the prison environment. We are committed to doing all we can to detect and prosecute those who continue to pedal this misery."
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