Limerick Prison on alert amid HSE notice

STAFF AT Limerick Prison are remaining vigilant for a nitazene-type substance which has been associated with overdoses across the country.

According to a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Services, the dangerous substance known as N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene, which has been linked to a small number of overdoses in Irish correctional facilities, has not been detected in Limerick Prison so far.

However, staff in Limerick “are remaining vigilant, and providing information to prisoners” regarding the substance.

Naloxone, a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opiates like heroin, has also been made available to Irish Prison Service staff.

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The HSE extended its red alert warning after an analysis conducted by the HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory confirmed the presence of the drug in the Irish Prison System.

“The Irish Prison Service is working closely with the HSE in response to a number of overdose presentations in custody. The Prison Service has secured extra naloxone kits in the event of clinical intervention.

“Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming contraband,” a spokesperson confirmed.