SYNTHETIC cannabis is being smuggled into lags on hand-written letters sent by post.
And the ‘spice’ is making it past security measures.
Most mail being sent into prisons is swabbed.
However, according to a source, a new synthetic drug soaked into letters is extremely hard to detect.
The source added that once the prisoner has received the letter, they rip it into small pieces and eat it or roll it up and smoke it.
The source said: “It used to be done with puzzles and inmates were stopped from getting them as gifts.
“Now they have moved on to letters which have been written on paper that has been soaked in a solution of synthetic drugs. The drug is like no other seen and is very hard to detect.
“It has also been suggested that some are getting the drug sent into them on fake solicitors letters or formal letters which tend not to be opened like others by staff.”
At Castlerea Prison, letters are now opened, swabbed and photocopied and the inmate receives the copied version.
The Irish Prison Service said it is committed to preventing contraband getting into jails.
