Powdered ALCOHOL is being smuggled into prisons by inmates’ girlfriends who hide it in their underwear
Powdered alcohol, which can be mixed with water, is getting into prisons
Claims female visitors are hiding it in their clothing, including their underwear, and inmates are drinking whilst watching television in cells
This follows rioting and pictures of prisoners enjoying steak dinners
Source: Daily Mail
By Jessica Duncan
20 November 2016
Powdered alcohol is being smuggled into prisons for offenders to slip into their drinks while relaxing in their cells.
It is believed female visitor’s to jails have been hiding the small packets in their clothes and maybe even knickers to get around security checks.
Powdered alcohol is a product generally made using micro-encapsulation. When put with water, alcohol powder becomes an alcoholic beverage.
In March 2015 four product labels for specific powdered alcohol products were approved by the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) which opened the doors for legal product sales.
However, as of January 4, 2016, the product is not yet available for sale and legalization remains controversial due to public-health and other concerns.
According to The Daily Star Sunday inmates have been using what they call ‘dry booze’ inside two prisons in Yorkshire.
Prison officials fear its use could lead to increased violence among inmates. A source told the paper that the packets if seen are seized but also staff want an easy life so sometimes turn a blind eye.
A prison source, said: ‘But if it starts causing fights among the men then they’ll have a big problem on their hands.’
Footage was released on the MailOnline last month of riotous prisoners cheering after overrunning HMP Bedford.
More outrage was sparked last week after inmates at Guys Marsh in Dorset posted images on Facebook and boasted of steak dinners, alcohol and drugs. The pictures also showed games consoles and stereos in cells.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss promised an extra 2,100 staff in a £1.3 billion strategy unveiled in the same week as the serious incidents revealed, but prisons are currently losing more staff than they can recruit.
Takeaway meals in prison
An inmate posted this picture of thick cuts of steak (left) given to prisoners in the Category C jail – it is not clear how they came into the prisoners’ possession. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said an investigation has been launched.
Glyn Travis, assistant secretary of the Prison Officers Association, said this week: ‘These reports are really only the tip of the iceberg. Because of the system in place, it is only apparent on a daily basis what the most serious incidents are and we have no global idea of the reality in prisons – but believe me it is much worse than what we see here.
‘We have fewer staff and, as a result, prisoners have a much worse regime. They are locked up for more – sometimes 23 hours a day – and there is frustration that breeds violence. Add so-called legal high drugs into the mix and you have a cocktail for trouble and violence.’
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed there was no evidence of powdered alcohol in prisons and said: ‘We have announced a major shake-up of the prison system, with 2,500 extra prison officers and new security measures to tackle drones, phones and drugs to help make prisons places of safety and reform.
‘All forms of alcohol are banned in prisons and any offender found in possession will be disciplined and could face additional time behind bars.’