SA Govt defends drugs rise in jails
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Carmel Zollo: drug detection rise shows tough prisons regime (ABC News)
The South Australian Opposition says prisons overcrowding can be blamed for a rise in security breaches.
The Correctional Services Department annual report shows that detected drug use has increased by 50 per cent, with nearly 800 cases reported.
It also says more than 70 homemade weapons were confiscated, and 16 mobile phones.
Opposition correctional services spokesman Stephen Wade says it is becoming increasingly dangerous for staff.
"Prison staff are trying to cope with increased prisoner numbers in a smaller space - it is going to be more difficult to maintain the level of security that staff would want to maintain," he said.
"We've had prison officers express concern about the increasing tensions within the prisons and overcrowded prisons and inmates under the influence of drugs is a potent mix."
SA Correctional Services Minister Carmel Zollo says the rise in drug seizures is evidence of a tough prisons regime.
"What these statistics demonstrate is our vigilance in improving surveillance and focus on catching prisoners and those who visit our prisons who would want to bring drugs into our prisons," the Minister said.
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