Drug use at Norwich Prison rises amid security concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:14 · Archive

Illegal drug use at HMP Norwich has increased, with the Independent Monitoring Board citing poor perimeter security as a contributing factor.

Illegal drug use at HMP Norwich has increased between March 2025 and February 2026, according to the Independent Monitoring Board's latest annual report published in September. The board said the rise in illicit drug use was linked to poor perimeter security, stating that 'a lack of effective perimeter protection made this a challenging issue to resolve'. The watchdog also raised wider concerns about conditions at the jail, including pressures on healthcare, education and rehabilitation services, and noted that violence in the prison remains a concern. Officials warned that the presence of alcohol, drugs and other prohibited items creates an unsafe environment for both prisoners and prison staff.

These findings align with concerns raised in January by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons following an unannounced inspection. That inspection found that 24 per cent of HMP Norwich prisoners who were given random drug tests were positive for illicit substances. The inspectors cited issues with security at the prison gates and a lack of surveillance as leaving the facility susceptible to the supply of drugs.

The Independent Monitoring Board had previously raised the same problems with security and drugs entering the prison in its last report published in October 2025. Despite the concerns, the most recent report noted that Norwich Prison had continued efforts to improve services in several areas during the year.

How it is being reported

• Drug use soaring at HMP Norwich as watchdog continues to flag security failingsThe use of illegal drugs inside Norwich Prison has increased according to a watchdog who says poor perimeter security is making the problem harder to tackle.Eastern Daily Press · 9 Oct, 06:00
• Drug use soaring at HMP Norwich as watchdog continues to flag security failingsThe use of illegal drugs inside Norwich Prison has increased according to a watchdog who says poor perimeter security is making the problem harder to tackle.Norwich Evening News · 9 Oct, 06:00

In this story: HMP Norwich · Independent Monitoring Board · HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

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