Investigations ongoing after nine prisoners overdosed at Midlands Prison on Friday
Nine prisoners at Midlands Prison in Ireland overdosed on Friday, leading to hospitalizations and an investigation by the Irish Prison Service. The incident also involved the assault of two prison officers, prompting a crackdown on contraband.
Why it matters
It highlights ongoing security and public health challenges within the correctional system regarding drug trafficking and prisoner safety.
The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has said it is working closely with the HSE following a number of overdoses at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on Friday.
It is understood that nine prisoners overdosed and three required hospital treatment. As of Saturday evening, one prisoner remained in the intensive care unit at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
Two prison officers were assaulted by a prisoner during the incident on Friday.
The IPS said it is “committed to preventing the access of contraband including drugs into prisons and [this] continues to be a high priority”.
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