Mass 'used as drug cover in prisons'

Prisoners use attendance at Mass as a cover for moving drugs, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday.

Prisoners use attendance at Mass as a cover for moving drugs, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday.

This has resulted in some prisoners in Magilligan jail, Co Derry, not being allowed to attend Mass, said a prison governor.

The decision was challenged by prisoner Stephen McAree, from west Belfast, but his application for judicial review was dismissed by Mr Justice Treacy.

A prison governor had told the court: “The movement and transfer of drugs between prisoners occurs most frequently at times and places where prisoners congregate in large groups.”

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He said that regrettably Mass attendance was used by prisoners for this purpose.