Brixton prison guards' uniforms smell of cannabis, says report

Watchdog calls for 'more searches of all types in future'

Cannabis use in Brixton prison fuels 'bullying and intimidation' according to the report (file photo) (PA)

Staff uniforms at a south London prison stink of cannabis because prisoners smoke so much of it, according to a report from the official prisons watchdog.

The prison’s independent monitoring board called for “more searches of all types in future”, including of prison workers.

The prison has been criticised before. A similar report from the same body last year said inmates were being “woefully under-provided” with education and training to prepare them for the outside world.

The new report said easy access to drugs was a “major concern” at the institution, contributing to “gambling, indebtedness, bullying and intimidation."

It also blames staff shortages for a lack of tests on prisoners suspected of using drugs. And it goes on: “Cannabis was sometimes being smoked so much on A and B wings that officers’ and monitoring board members’ clothes smelt of it.”

A Prison Service spokesman told The Evening Standard that the use of drugs was taken “very seriously” and that “swift action” had been taken to tackle the prison's problems.

He added: “The number of prisoners testing positive for drug misuse has fallen. Offenders are well aware that anyone caught with prohibited items will face swift and robust punishment.”