Prisoners making their own alcohol

The Home Affairs Minister has admitted it is “remarkably easy” for prisoners on the Island to make their own alcohol.

He was answering questions about drugs and alcohol in Jurby Prison in the House of Keys yesterday.

Juan Watterson told politicians that while alcohol was not readily available prisoners do make their own hooch – with some batches reaching a strength of 7.5 per cent alcohol.

South Douglas MHK Kate Beecroft said she thought it was incredible that with just 85 prisoners, prison officers couldn’t stop it from happening.

Mr Watterson revealed the prison does have a specialist dog which detects illicit alcohol and around 50 litres has been recovered since July last year.