Sep 29 - Government Says Drugs Testing In Prison Is Already In Place

The Government has responded to the GSD's comments on drug testing in the prison, saying the GSD presents their usual distorted approach in factual matters and fail to say that during their time in office they made no arrangements whatsoever for compulsory drug testing at the prison or for the inclusion of a drug testing condition in parole licences. It has fallen to the present administration to put in place those arrangements.

A spokesman for Number Six said: "As the Minister for Justice, Gilbert Licudi, confirmed in Parliament last week, the Gibraltar Prison Service provides a Voluntary Drug Testing system for inmates at the prison. The aim is to encourage rehabilitation, wellness and good conduct. Inmates are offered the possibility to enter into a ‘compact contract’ whereby extra privileges and enhanced conditions are offered through good behaviour and industry, and a clear commitment to remain drug free. This has a very positive effect, especially on those prisoners serving a longer sentence who have come to realise that life without drugs enhances their relationships with their family and put themselves in a position where they can receive proper help to succeed on the outside.

"Minister Licudi also highlighted section 61 of the Prison Act 2011, which allows a drug testing requirement to be imposed on inmates who are released on parole by including this as a condition in the parole licence. Minister Licudi confirmed that procedural and practical arrangements are in place for oral (saliva) and urine drug testing to be carried out in respect of any person who may have such a condition included in his/her parole licence.

"In addition, arrangements are in place for compulsory drug testing to also take place at the prison should the Prison Superintendent consider this to be appropriate."

Minister Licudi said: “The relevant legislative provisions were passed by the GSD and yet they made no arrangements whatsoever for compulsory drug testing in the prison or as a condition of the parole licence. It fell to us to make arrangements in both areas and these are now in place. It is, however, not for the Government to exercise these powers. It is for the Prison Superintendent to decide how drug testing is carried out and for the Parole Board to make recommendations in respect of drug testing conditions in parole licences should the Board consider this to be appropriate.

"The Government is entirely satisfied with the arrangements that have been put in place by the present administration. It is, however, quite extraordinary of the GSD to criticise the Government for something which they failed to do themselves. They should, instead, acknowledge the positive effects for those with drug problems which result from the Government's actions."

{fcomment}