CHARITY WORKERS IN 'PRISON DRUGS' PROBE

TWO women charity workers have been excluded from a prison following
allegations of drug trafficking and sexual activity with male inmates, it
emerged today.

A Prison Service statement about the investigation at Highpoint jail in
Suffolk said: "Two female drugs workers were excluded from the prison
pending an investigation into allegations that they were involved in drug
trafficking.

"They subsequently resigned and are now the subject of a police investigation.

"The ex-members of contract staff were also accused of having inappropriate
relationships with prisoners."

Leading UK drug and alcohol charity Addaction said it became aware of
allegations about improper relationships involving two of its drug
treatment workers last summer.

A spokesman said: "It was another one of our workers who tipped off both
the Prison Service and Addaction.

"Subsequently we were informed by the prison that it had suspicions over
alleged drug-trafficking.

"But since then we have not been told officially of any police investigation.

"We do, however, take full responsibility for the behaviour of our staff.
In this case two of our workers acted totally unprofessionally and in a
manner that we deplore. Addaction dealt swiftly with the situation.'

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "Suffolk Police can confirm that it is
investigating allegations of possible drug-related offences by contract
staff working at Highpoint Prison.

"Police were notified of the allegations in December 2002 following an
internal investigation by the Prison Service.

"The Prison Service is cooperating fully with the police and has provided
statements and information from their internal investigation.'

No one has been arrested.

Addaction was formed in 1967 and runs projects in prisons and communities.

The charity's contract with the male prison at Highpoint has been
terminated, said Addaction.