The first death in a British immigration camp is believed to be linked to the drug Spice | Immigration and Asylum

The death of a man at a detention center two weeks ago is believed to be linked to the drug Spice, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind.

The death came a year after an official report into conditions at Brook House, near Gatwick Airport, warned that staff believed “it was only a matter of time before a person in custody died as a result of spice consumption.” died.”

The 26 year old man who observer He was reportedly a French citizen and died in his cell at Brook House on October 27th. An investigation into his death has been launched and is expected to take place by the prison ombudsman.

Diplomatic sources in the French Foreign Ministry said this observer They are closely following this case together with the British authorities. It is the first immigrant detention and deportation death in nearly a year and one of 22 such deaths in the last decade.

Although no conclusive cause of death has yet been publicly confirmed, in a highly unusual move, Home Office contractor Serco, which manages Brook House, distributed two letters to detainees about the death, each citing drug use.

The first, distributed on the day of the man’s death, said: “This tragic event may or may not be substance-related, so I urge you not to take uncontrolled substances.”

The second notice to inmates, distributed two days later, said senior officials were “increasingly concerned that there are substances in the facility that could be harmful and cause extreme reactions, including loss of consciousness, in residents.” . Detainees were asked to “dispose of these substances and not to take uncontrolled tablets or powders.” The letter specifically referred to spices.

Two prisoners who knew the dead man and spoke to him observer Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said the man was in poor mental health and had asked for voluntary repatriation to France.

The first inmate said he believed the man may have inhaled spices through vaporization and said he often asked other inmates to help him obtain the vaporizers.

The second inmate said: “I have significant concerns about the increase in contraband, including illegal drugs, in the facility. Two inmates were recently found drunk and unconscious and in need of emergency medical treatment.

“As someone with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]I can confirm that the conditions here significantly exacerbate mental health problems. The lack of support leaves those incarcerated on their own, with many turning to drugs to cope. Violence and substance addiction rates have reached alarming levels, adding to an already challenging environment.”

Brook House hit the headlines in 2017 after an undercover BBC expose panorama revealed a catalog of abuses against vulnerable prisoners. A public inquiry was subsequently held into conditions at the center and some of the evidence heard related to problems with spices. The investigative report published in September 2023 reported “spices, drugs, people collapsing, emergencies and people looking like zombies crowding into each other.” It was not uncommon to see people “wetting themselves, collapsing and foaming at the mouth.”

The report states: “A member of the medical team and another staff member noted that it was only a matter of time before a detained person died as a result of ingesting the spice.”

Emma Ginn, director of the charity Medical Justice, which campaigns for the health of immigration detainees, said: “It is deeply worrying that Brook House contractors have mentioned drug use in connection with the death of the 26-year-old man.” Immigrant detention is particularly harmful to vulnerable people locked up indefinitely and we call for its use to end.”

A Serco spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of residents at Brook House is our top priority and we are constantly working to stop the illegal importation of drugs into the center and prevent further tragedies. “This is always a challenge and we use a combination of technology, specialized dogs and intelligence interventions.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Home Office has always taken a zero-tolerance approach to drug use and we continually review and strengthen procedures to ensure no illegal substances enter our centers.”