A growing crisis is unfolding in Scots prisons as the dangerous synthetic drug known as “monkey dust” fuels a spike in drug overdoses and alarming behaviour among inmates. Prison authorities, healthcare workers, and politicians are sounding the alarm about the rapid spread of this potent substance, whose effects are both unpredictable and severe.

Monkey Dust and Its Troubling Rise Behind Bars

Monkey dust, the street name for methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), has emerged as a major threat both inside and outside the prison system. The Class B narcotic, resembling cocaine in its powder form, can be swallowed, snorted, or injected and sells for as little as £2 per wrap. With many inmates on restricted means, the drug’s low price and long-lasting high – sometimes up to 12 hours – make it dangerously appealing.

Recent incidents in Scots prisons highlight the extent of the problem. The latest Public Health Scotland drug intelligence report links monkey dust to “multiple overdoses” across several facilities. Some inmates have been left hallucinating, falling unconscious, or adopting a so-called “zombie-like” state, staggering with slurred speech and impaired control. Others display sudden, aggressive outbursts, sometimes described as “Incredible Hulk” episodes of extreme strength and anger.

Unpacking The Effects of Monkey Dust

Monkey dust is notorious for its unpredictable physical and psychological effects. While some users become dazed and lethargic, others exhibit near-superhuman aggression. The variety and severity of symptoms make it especially difficult for prison staff and medics to manage.

Gloucestershire Police have reported seizures of monkey dust, highlighting its visual similarity to cocaine, which adds to the confusion for inexperienced users and the prison authorities charged with monitoring contraband.

Lee Fernandes, lead therapist for the UK Addiction Treatment Group, notes, “The rise of monkey dust use within prisons is saddening but not surprising. It’s a drug that has spread like wildfire on the streets. The fact it’s incredibly cheap to buy makes it an appealing drug of choice – especially to prisoners, who have limited funds and plenty of time on their hands.”

Drug Overdoses in Scots Prison Settings

Drug overdoses in Scots prison facilities have become increasingly common, with monkey dust featuring as a prime culprit in recent months. At HMP Glenochil in Alloa last January, authorities discovered dozens of inmates under the influence, and rushed five to the hospital after a Christmas Day substance incident. Jail bosses suspect drones may have smuggled in the drugs, though the precise substances remain unconfirmed.

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area has also seen a rise in incidents linked to monkey dust, contributing to pressure on local emergency services.

Tory MSP Annie Wells, the party’s deputy spokesperson on drugs, warned, “If ministers don’t get on top of this situation, more lives will be lost.” Her sentiment echoes the growing frustration among campaigners and politicians who believe the current measures to stem prison drug smuggling are not sufficient.

Prison and Government Responses to Monkey Dust

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) acknowledges the ongoing challenge posed by illicit substances such as monkey dust, both within the prison environment and the wider community.

A spokesperson for SPS stated, “The presence of illicit substances in the wider community is a constant challenge. We work hard, alongside Public Health Scotland, to prevent harm.”

The Scottish Government, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment to tackling the crisis. “We continue to support the SPS to prevent, detect and deter the introduction of contraband in prisons,” a spokesperson said.

How Monkey Dust Enters Prisons

Combating the supply of drugs like monkey dust in Scots prisons is complicated by creative smuggling methods. Incidents of suspected drone drops highlight one avenue by which narcotics reach inmates. Contraband also enters through visitations, staff, or even concealed within mail. The constant evolution of these tactics requires prison authorities to continually update their detection and prevention efforts.

Why Monkey Dust is Gaining Ground

Several factors contribute to monkey dust’s rise in popularity among inmates:

• Affordability: At only £2 per wrap, it is much cheaper than other narcotics.
• Potency: Effects last much longer than traditional drugs, which appeals to inmates seeking escape.
• Availability: Its growing presence on the streets has naturally extended into the prison system.
• Lack of Awareness: Some users and even staff may mistake it for cocaine or under-estimate its effects.

These factors, combined with the high-stress environment and idle time in prison, create a perfect ecosystem for the spread of such substances.

Public Health and Community Impact

The rise in monkey dust usage isn’t limited to prisons. Overdoses and related medical emergencies are putting additional strain on NHS resources, especially across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Monkey dust’s unpredictable effects can lead users to harm themselves or others and make treating overdoses more challenging for medics.

Addressing the crisis requires cooperation across public health officials, politicians, and corrections staff as they seek to both suppress the flow of monkey dust and provide support for those already affected.

Tackling the Challenge Ahead

With the threat of monkey dust showing no signs of abating, calls for increased vigilance and intervention continue. Experts stress the need for robust screening and detection protocols across all Scottish jails, increased education around the dangers of new psychoactive substances, and better support for at-risk inmates suffering from addiction.

Rehabilitation, early intervention, and a unified approach involving all stakeholders will be crucial to stemming the tide of “zombie-like” incidents and drug overdoses in Scots prisons linked to monkey dust. Without decisive action, the risk to public health and inmate safety will only worsen.

Source: dbrecoveryresources