It said drones were used at night to deliver illegal drugs to inmates through their cell windows, sometimes through holes in perspex cell-window covers.Also, 25% of mandatory drug tests proved positive, and 298 inmates were found to be under the influence of drugs.The report stated: “This continues to demonstrate a significant amount of illegal drug use.”Between 60 to 80 inmates, at any one time, were receiving methadone treatment for addiction, and were often given emergency medication, for overdoses, to carry upon release, it added.The IMB also warned of serious concerns around resettlement, with 38% of inmates released without accommodation, up from 33% the previous year.It said this was partly because supported accommodation in Leicester was “consistently full”, increasing the risk of reoffending and urged the government to expand the provision to meet demand.Mental health provision remained under pressure, with delays transferring severely ill inmates to secure hospitals – which exceeded the 28‑day target. About 40% of prisoners did not have access to work or education, following a 50% cut to education funding, leaving many spending long periods locked in their cells.The report found in some cases, inmates spent up to 22 hours a day in “cramped cells”.
Hundreds of inmates caught smuggling drugs at HMP Leicester
