Four officers from Perth Prison were taken to hospital following fears they had inhaled a legal high drug.
The male staff were conveyed by ambulance to Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) as “a precaution” when they became ill after carrying out a search of a cell.
It’s understood the prison staff were initially treated in the Edinburgh Road building before being taken to PRI for medical checks.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has confirmed the recent incident took place but refused to clarify what substance was inhaled by the prison warders.
A SPS spokesperson said: “The prison officers from Perth were taken to hospital as a precaution. However, SPS can’t confirm that this incident was linked to Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPL).”
She continued: “SPS are aware that there are issues with substance abuse within our establishments. We take the issues of substance misuse in our establishments very seriously.
“A comprehensive range of robust security measures are in place to prevent the introduction of contraband into our prisons. Significant investment continues to be made in the development of new technology and staff training to detect, deter and reduce the availability and supply of illegal drugs.
“Anyone found in possession of contraband is reported to the appropriate authorities.”
She conceded that the SPS recognise that substance misuse is “prevalent” amongst those entering the care of the prison service.
“As such, a range of substance misuse treatment and support services are offered to all those entering our care,” she added.
