Two men denied entry at Scots prison as cops crack down on drug-smuggling

Officers have been carrying out patrols at HMP Perth as part of a crackdown on illegal activity
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Two men were separately refused entry to HMP Perth after 'sniffer dogs detected drugs' as part of a crime crackdown.

During a joint Police Scotland and Scottish Prison Service (SPS) operation, the men, aged 24 and 26, were denied entry to the prison.

A 30-year-old man was cautioned and charged in connection with alleged threatening and abusive behaviour and a 40-year-old woman was also issued a warning in connection with alleged threatening and abuse behaviour.

Police Scotland officers have been carrying out covert and high visibility patrols at the prison as part of continued work with SPS to deter and detect illegal activity.

On Thursday, November 21, and Friday, November 22, specialist resources, Operational Support Unit and Roads Policing Unit were deployed with the local Community Policing Team, tackling drugs entering the prison and inappropriate behaviour towards prison staff.

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In a statement, Police Scotland said: "A 30-year-old man was cautioned and charged in connection with threatening and abusive behaviour.

"A 40-year-old woman was issued a warning in connection with threatening and abuse behaviour.

"Two men, aged 24 and 26, were separately refused entry after detection by SPS drug dogs."

Police Constable Scott Birrell, Prison Liaison Officer, said: “We have routine policing patrols and work in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service to deter criminal activity within prisons.

“High visibility and covert operations can be carried out without warning and we will continue to use all available tools and tactics to remove illegal substances from our prisons and address associated criminality.

“Information and support from our partners and the public is vital as we work to make our communities safer. I would urge anyone who has any information or concerns to contact police.”

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those who live and work in our prisons is one of our key priorities.

“We are committed to tackling the harms caused by the introduction of illicit substances, and the associated criminality which comes with them.

“We deploy a range of robust security measures to prevent this, and work closely with Police Scotland to investigate and identify any perpetrators.”

Information can be passed to police by calling 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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