THREE inmates were treated for overdoses of a terrifying “zombie” drug known as spice being sent into prisons by post.
One Cork Prison inmate was hospitalised and two other men received medical treatment after they fell ill after taking the synthetic drug in the prison.
In the UK, the synthetic cannabinoid has been branded a “zombie” drug as it leaves users slumped over and twitching.
Experts warn it can cause breathing difficulties, psychosis, seizures, severe psychological symptoms, and even death.
On Sunday night, emergency services were called to the prison on Rathmore Road after the three men were found in distress and suffering from severe health issues.
Two were deemed well enough to return to their cells after treatment but the third was rushed to Cork University Hospital.
Paul Byrne, 96FM producer, told the Opinion Line with PJ Coogan: “Today, spice is coming in by post.
“What I’m led to believe is that those on the outside are soaking the letters in spice, the letter is then delivered to the inmates who somehow extract the drug and ingest it.”
Once the letters are received the prisoners use different methods to extract the spice from the paper, and some use homemade smoking devices or mix the drug into food or drink to consume it.
Paul said: “If you can get a man to land on the moon, you’ll get drugs into a prison. It’s not impossible, they’re coming up with all sorts of ways.”
All letters now received in prison from the outside will be photocopied before they’re given to inmates.
Paul said: “Letters for inmates will now be confiscated, photocopied and the copies handed out as a way of preventing the most recently uncovered form of spice smuggling.
“The prompt action last night most likely saved lives. By their rapid response prison staff and paramedics prevented a far worse tragedy from unfolding.
“Some of the guys are taking drugs to numb boredom and while there are educational opportunities in prisons not all inmates choose to use them. Spice is now becoming a serious issue in Irish prisons.”
In a statement, the Irish Prison Service said: “The Irish Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband, including drugs, into prisons and continues to be a high priority for the Irish Prison Service.
“The Irish Prison Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out of prisons.
“Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence-led cell searches on a daily basis.
“Our canine unit carries out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching for deliveries into prisons.”
