HEROIN FOUND ON DEAD PRISON OFFICER

POLICE were last night investigating the discovery of thousands of
pounds worth of heroin found on the body of a Scottish prison officer,
who died in hospital after a drinking binge ten days ago.

Tayside Police are waiting for the results of toxicology tests, but it
is understood the death of Bruce Flight, 34, was not drug-related.
Police sources said the father-of-two's death was caused by a
drinking binge that he embarked on after finishing a late shift at
Perth prison on 29 April. The next morning an ambulance was called to
his house in Dundee when it became clear that Mr Flight was seriously
ill. He was taken to Ninewells Hospital, but later died.

Medics alerted police after they found the drugs, which sources
confirmed as heroin, concealed in Mr Flight's clothing. A police
source yesterday confirmed the amount of drugs exceeded that normally
deemed to be for personal use. Forensic tests are being carried out on
the drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Norrie Robertson said: "A substance has been
recovered and has been taken to Tayside Police forensic laboratory for
analysis. We cannot confirm what the substance is. An investigation is
ongoing."

Dozens of prison officers paid their respects to Mr Flight at his
funeral at Dundee Crematorium last week, unaware of the background to
his death. Colleagues were shocked when they learned of the
investigation.

William Millar, the governor of Perth prison, said: "There is a police
inquiry under way and until that is complete, it would be
inappropriate to comment further. Obviously our thoughts and support
are with Mr Flight's family at this time."

Mr Millar said that prison officers are subjected torigorous
anti-drugs checks. "Staff and their baggage are regularly checked
using X-rays and periodic rub-down searches."

He admitted the prison had a drugs problem, but said a large number of
prisoners were addicted to drugs when they are imprisoned. He said:
"Drugs are a major problem in the Scottish prison community as a
whole, but we take extensive steps to prevent the misuse of drugs
among the inmates.

"Security cameras and an intelligence network around the prison go
some way to minimising the problem, and visitors and their belongings
coming in are given rub-down and metal detector searches."

A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: "A post mortem examination has
been carried out and, although toxicology tests are still pending,
there are no suspicious circumstances.

"A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal andinquiries are
still ongoing."