The canton of Friborg published a report on Friday on Bellechasse prison, which notably takes stock of the consumption of drugs and addictive medications in prison. Result: one in ten prisoners uses illegal substances.
The Friborg authorities analyzed the urine tests of the 1,200 prisoners incarcerated at Bellechasse prison between 2019 and 2022. Result: 167 prisoners (13%) used drugs during their incarceration, a ratio of just over one in ten prisoners.
Among the drugs discovered, cannabis is by far the most popular substance. It alone represents nearly 90% of the substances consumed by prisoners. The Department of Health and Social Affairs (DSAS) also notes that drug injection is rare, whether before or during detention.
This study of the DSAS recalls that the prison, although highly monitored, remains a place which is by far not airtight.
More and more addictogenic drugs
Another source of concern for health authorities: the significant increase in the prescription of addictogenic drugs, such as quetiapine, a highly addictive antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, or in cases of resistant depression.
The prescription of this medication in prison is three times higher than its consumption outside before detention, notes the Friborg report. This increase is explained by an increase in mental illnesses in prison.
For the Friborg authorities, this trend should be followed closely. The report calls in particular for strengthening the monitoring of prisoners upon their release from prison.
Radio Sujet: Mehdi Piccand
Adaptation web: jfe
Swiss
