Prison overdoses linked to drone drug drop at Midlands facility

Multiple prisoners overdosed at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on September 18, with some requiring hospital treatment, in an incident the Irish Prison Service has linked to a likely drone delivery of drugs. The Irish Prison Service confirmed the overdose presentations and stated it is collaborating with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in response. A representative for the service told the Irish Times that while the source of the drugs cannot be confirmed with certainty, the suggestion they arrived via drone is a "good assumption." The incident occurred on Friday, September 18. According to reports, several prisoners overdosed, with at least three requiring hospital treatment. As of the following evening, one prisoner remained in the intensive care unit at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Two prison officers were also assaulted by a violent prisoner during the response to the medical emergency. The Irish Prison Service has implemented enhanced security measures in the wake of the incident. Staff have increased the frequency of random and intelligence-led cell searches on a daily basis.