Increase of 2,300% of Drug Related Deaths in Prison Since 2010

New figures show drug-related deaths in prisons have soared to a record high.

48 people died after taking drugs in prisons in England and Wales in the year April 2024 to March 2025. This is up 2,300% since 2010, when just 2 drug related prison deaths were recorded.

Data obtained by The Independent shows that drug related deaths have almost doubled year on year since 2024. Issues prisons face include large scale drone deliveries.

Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons has said that the government has been too slow to respond to the increase in availability of drugs in prison. He has called for tougher measures to get a grip on the crisis, which he says requires a national response.

INQUEST, a charity who support families whose loved ones have died in state detention, have called for improved drug treatments in prison, saying: “The criminalisation of drugs has pushed whole communities into prison. Inside prison, dehumanising conditions, including long hours locked in cells and squalid living environments, drive people to use drugs as a way of coping.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson has said they are investing over £40 million in physical security measures.

Farleys’ Inquest Specialists

Here at Farleys, we have extensive experience representing families following deaths in prison custody. We understand how overwhelming the inquest process can be and can help guide you through this.

Legal Aid will usually be available for families whose loved ones have died a drug-related death in prison.

Recent inquests where we have represented families include:

• Death in HMP Lowdham Grange – in May 2026, the jury found Mr A died from misadventure as a result of a reckless act in the form of ingesting spice via a modified vape. The jury recorded that ‘Spice’ and other illicit substances were widely available in the prison at the time, as well as there might have been a high level of vacancies in the prison and healthcare.

• Death in HMP Manchester – in January 2026, the jury found that Mr B had died a drug related death. The jury recorded that illicit psychoactive substances were prevalent in HMP Manchester at the time.

• Death in HMP Birmingham – in November 2025, the jury found that Mr C had died a drug related death. The jury recorded that drones were the biggest threat to HMP Birmingham and they were used to drop contraband nationally and locally. The jury also recorded that witnesses confirmed boredom can contribute to drug use in prison. The Coroner made a Prevention of Future Deaths report to HM Prison and Probation Service with concerns around the availability of novel psychoactive substances, the sophistication of criminals using drones to deliver contraband, and that current staffing benchmarks may not reflect the escalating operational pressures caused by psychoactive substance incidents, leaving prisoner safety and welfare, and that of staff, at significant risk.

If you’re looking for advice and representation following the death of a loved one in prison, our inquest specialists can help. Call us today on 01254 606008, get in touch by email, or use our online chat below and a member of the team will get back to you.