DRUGS are being smuggled into a prison and becoming a “scourge”.

Figures show 113 searches led to drugs being found by staff at HMP Lewes last year.

Meanwhile 22 per cent of drug tests were positive at the prison.

The most common drug used was cannabis, but other substances like methadone are also being smuggled in.

Campaigners from the Howard League for Penal Reform say the figures do not reveal the “true scale of the problem”.

Chief executive Frances Crook said: “Ministers have spent millions on tightening security, and this may be having an effect, but the best way to reduce the supply of drugs into prisons is to reduce the demand for them.

“Staff time spent monitoring scanners would be better deployed in building relationships and working with people in prison to keep them occupied with work, education, training and exercise.”

During the coronavirus lockdown prisoners had been kept locked in cells for as much as 23 hours per day to contain the spread of the disease.

Ms Crook said this is one of the reasons why current Covid-19 restrictions in prisons should be eased “safely and as soon as possible”.

During the pandemic, prisoners have been unable to take part in recreational activities such as using gyms and libraries or going to worship.

Last year, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service set out plans to crack down on the misuse of drugs in prison, with a focus on cutting the supply and demand, and building recovery services.

Separate figures reveal that Lewes prison did not meet its 15 per cent target for traditional drugs tests in the year to March 2020.

The seven per cent target for psychoactive substances was also missed.

The Ministry of Justice said: “We are finding and stopping more drugs thanks to the tough new measures brought in by this Government, such as airport-style security and x-ray body scanners.” The ministry added that it would be “misleading” to draw conclusions on the impact of lockdown restrictions.