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Significant shift towards undetected New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in prisons.

Conclusion
We are deeply concerned by the significant shift towards the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), most notably synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Their popularity is due to their affordability, accessibility and their potency. In turning to these drugs, prisoners are able to “cheat the system” as current drug testing systems fail to detect them. Therefore, it is also difficult to determine precisely the number of prisoners using these dangerous substances. (Conclusion, Paragraph 32)
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 9 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Report published 31 Oct 2025