Norwegian Prison Replaces Inmate Mail with Copies After Drug Smuggling Discovery

Froland prison in Norway has implemented a new policy of providing inmates with copies of their mail instead of originals. This measure follows the discovery that paper letters were being used to smuggle synthetic drugs into the facility.

The smuggling technique involves impregnating paper with liquid narcotics. Inmates can then ingest the paper to achieve a high. "What we know is used in some cases is that they dip letters or parts of letters in synthetic substance and bring it into the prison that way," Rolf Velle, the prison governor at Froland, told NRK.

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What we know is used in some cases is that they dip letters or parts of letters in synthetic substance and bring it into the prison that way.

To combat this, Froland prison now provides inmates with photocopies of their correspondence, while the original letters are held until the inmate's release. Staff are using methods like ultraviolet light to inspect incoming mail for signs of tampering or drug residue.

This issue is not isolated to Froland. Other Norwegian prisons, including Halden and Romerike, have also reported awareness of or seizures related to drug smuggling via paper and letters. However, the measure has drawn criticism from A-larm, an organization advocating for drug users and their families. Region leader Unni Staalesen called the policy "very intrusive" for the approximately 200 inmates affected by the letter copying.

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If this means that 200 inmates will have their letters copied, I think that sounds very intrusive.