Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - Saxony-Anhalt also relies on technical support in the fight against new and difficult-to-detect drugs that are smuggled into prisons. The so-called new psychoactive substances (NPS) are dripped onto stationery or documents, dried and sent to the prisoners by post, the Justice Ministry said.
Now the controls in the penal system are to be strengthened. A special device should also be used, with which it can be checked within a short time whether the paper has been mixed with NPS or other prohibited substances. The portable detector, which has yet to be procured, is to be used in all prisons. The "Bild" newspaper first reported on Monday.
According to the ministry, the NPS are dangerous for prison inmates because the exact composition is often not known. There was a risk of serious damage to health. Life-threatening intoxications with circulatory failure, fainting or delusions are possible. It's a nationwide phenomenon. According to the information, sniffer dogs do not recognize the new substances.
Drugs were seized 73 times in Saxony-Anhalt's prisons last year. According to the ministry, the total amount was around 385 grams. It was mainly cannabis and amphetamines.
