Experts lift lid on drugs crisis in prisons
Annual drug seizures by prison officers have reached record highs, with over 21,000 recorded in the year to March 2024, marking a 35 per cent increase.
The widespread availability of illicit substances has led to a surge in medical emergencies, violence, and debt within prisons, with "blue-light" ambulance responses now a regular occurrence.
The crisis significantly worsened during austerity years due to cuts in staffing and addiction treatment programmes, compounded by the emergence of new synthetic drugs and drone deliveries.
Despite government claims of a "zero-tolerance approach" and new security measures, experts confirm that drugs remain the biggest challenge facing many prisons, driving criminality and undermining safety.
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The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
Worker says she was pushed to falsify safety records and saw employees lose limbs at Trump-aligned meatpacking plant
A Colorado woman working for the world's largest meatpacking company – and major Trump supporter – claims supervisors pressured her to falsify safety records while workers were regularly losing fingers and limbs due to inadequate training. Salima Jandali, an aspiring police officer who speaks three languages and has a Bachelor's degree in political science and anthropology from the University of Northern Colorado, says her supervisor regularly denigrated her as a 'stupid Arab' and forced her and others to work without proper protective equipment. When Jandali, 31, complained to management about what she saw as dangerous shortcomings at the JBS USA beef processing plant in Greeley, roughly 50 miles north of Denver, her locker was vandalized, her Islamic prayer beads were thrown in the trash and she was forced out of her job. That's according to a federal lawsuit filed by Jandali, which describes her experience at JBS as 'a disturbing example of systematic workplace discrimination and retaliation against… a Muslim woman and Moroccan immigrant who refused to participate in her employer's illegal, dangerous, and exploitative practices.' Once she left, Jandali 'never wanted to look back,' she told The Independent. Jandali said she witnessed a newly arrived Burmese immigrant get his arm amputated by a processing-floor machine, saw others lose digits and that accidental stabbings with hooks and knives were commonplace. The company constantly said it was short-staffed, and cut corners on safety protocols to make up for it, according to Jandali. However, she went on, many of the new hires didn't speak English and JBS lacked any translation services to help them understand what they were being told to do. 'They didn't want to complete the classes for new employees, and the retaliation began when I started speaking out,' she said. 'I just want to show the world how corrupt they are, and hopefully this is going to raise awareness so people know the truth about what's going on in there.' In a statement provided to The Independent, attorney Helen Oh, who is representing Jandali in the case, said, 'No employee should have to choose between their integrity and livelihood.' A JBS spokesperson did not respond to The Independent 's requests for comment. Multinational food company JBS, which, via a subsidiary, was the single biggest donor to Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, 'continually prioritized production over worker safety,' leading to horrific injuries in pursuit of maximum profit, Jandali's complaint alleges. In 2021, JBS was cited and fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration after a worker at its Greeley plant got stuck in a conveyor belt and his left arm was severed clean off – which Jandali watched happen. That same year, another worker in Greeley died when he fell into a vat of chemicals due to an improperly installed piece of machinery. In 2023, an employee at a JBS plant in Wisconsin lost two fingers while processing a cattle carcass, and in May, a worker at a JBS facility in Arizona died from blunt-force injuries after being crushed between a forklift and a front-end loader. On Monday, 20 workers at a JBS plant in Port Arthur, Texas were hospitalized after they were exposed to potentially toxic levels of carbon monoxide and methane gas. Beyond horrific workplace injuries, JBS has also been accused by employees of myriad other abuses, including human trafficking. In 2017, the Brazilian government levied a $3.2 billion fine against the multinational's parent company in a sprawling bribery case that extended all the way up to then-President Michel Temer. The company settled one previous lawsuit for $5.5 million by Muslim workers at JBS' Greeley plant who said they were discriminated against for their religious beliefs. Jandali was born in Rabat, Morocco, and moved to the United States when she was a child. Fluent in English, Arabic and French, Jandali began working for JBS in August 2019, at the company's Greeley facility, conducting mandatory safety training for new hires and production employees working on the meat processing floor. In 2023, Jandali's supervisor began to hurl racial and religious slurs at her 'on a regular basis… often calling her a 'stupid Muslim' or 'stupid Arab,'' according to her complaint, which was filed June 11 in Colorado federal court. The harassment escalated as the year progressed, the complaint contends, describing 'repeated degradation and intimidation of Ms. Jandali by throwing away [her]... work boots and hard hat.' 'On at least 25 occasions, Ms. Jandali arrived [at] work to find her safety equipment strewn about, missing, or in the trash,' the complaint goes on. 'Without proper equipment, Ms. Jandali was prohibited from taking new hires to the processing floor pursuant to safety protocols,' the complaint states. Federal law requires production employees to complete 100 percent of their safety training prior to working on the processing floor, the complaint explains, Yet, it says, throughout Jandali's time at JBS, 'supervisors routinely put production employees to work on the floor when they had not completed all required safety training.' 'Many production employees were non-English speakers who needed interpreters to understand and complete the trainings,' the complaint states. 'While Ms. Jandali could translate and interpret for French and Arabic-speaking employees on her shift, this was highly insufficient to address the language needs for trainings across shifts.' Jandali raised the issue repeatedly, telling higher-ups that the practice was putting people in danger, the complaint continues. In response, Jandali was told that any problems were her fault, and that if she couldn't get everyone trained adequately, 'then this was not the job for her,' according to the complaint. The company's demands became more aggressive over time, and the pressure on Jandali intensified, the complaint alleges. In May 2024, she was instructed to falsify training records for employees who had not attended their assigned sessions, the complaint maintains. 'Ms. Jandali objected and explained that production employees were suffering serious injuries, including losing limbs, and safety protocols needed to be followed,' the complaint states, adding that '[h]er concerns were completely ignored.' Days later, Jandali reported the situation to upper-level managers, according to the complaint. Soon, it says, Jandali began to experience fierce blowback over her ongoing concerns. 'On May 28, 2024, Ms. Jandali arrived at work to find her workplace locker damaged, with the corner bent and unable to close properly,' the complaint alleges. 'She found her Tasbih (Islamic prayer beads) in the trash, along with her other personal belongings. Ms. Jandali was horrified, deeply hurt, and feared for her safety.' Jandali then went to HR to file a formal grievance but, despite their promises, the complaint claims she 'never received any follow up or resolution.' The conditions at JBS had been getting progressively worse for Jandali in other ways, as well. When her father needed heart surgery, Jandali requested family leave to help him, and was approved, the complaint states. However, while she was out, HR 'falsely' informed her that her paperwork had never been received and terminated her employment, it says. Following a grievance Jandali filed with the union, which included a paper trail proving her side of the story, she was reinstated, according to the complaint. Still, upon returning to work, Jandali found herself locked out of her company email and unable to access her online work drive, training materials and classrooms, the complaint states. Nearly six weeks later, the complaint says Jandali finally regained access to her email account, but found that 'all of her prior emails with years of accumulated training information [had been] deleted.' In June 2024, Jandali requested a three-month medical leave to deal with 'worsening depression, anxiety and [post-traumatic stress disorder] caused by JBS's retaliation and harassment,' the complaint states. Three weeks later, it says she got a call from HR demanding she return to work in seven days or else she would be fired. Jandali appealed, and state regulators forced JBS to keep her on the payroll. However, when she finally got back, the situation she continued to endure, on top of 'months of unaddressed harassment, retaliation and pressure to engage in illegal conduct,' was too much to take, the complaint states. On September 9, 2024, facing the exact same issues as before, Jandali resigned. Beyond her depression, anxiety and PTSD, Jandali's complaint says her time at JBS caused 'debilitating physical symptoms including insomnia, frequent nightmares, inability to concentrate and extreme fatigue,' the complaint states. 'These conditions have transformed her from a vibrant, active and outgoing person into someone who struggles with basic daily functioning and experiences profound emotional numbness.' Jandali is now seeking economic damages, including front pay and back pay, compensatory damages for emotional pain, suffering and mental anguish, as well as punitive damages, plus interest, attorneys' fees and court costs.
BreakingNews.ie
28 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
John Torode's contract on MasterChef not renewed, BBC and Banijay UK confirm
John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK have confirmed. Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. Advertisement On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace. John Torode after being made an MBE during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Kirsty O'Connor/PA. A statement from Banijay UK said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Advertisement 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. Advertisement 'This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Advertisement It comes after BBC director-general Tim Davie said MasterChef had a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report. Asked about the show's future, Davie said: 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' BBC director-general Tim Davie. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA. He was also asked about Torode's future on Tuesday, to which he said the BBC would 'absolutely expect action to be taken'. Advertisement Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' Entertainment What were the main findings of the Gregg Wallace i... Read More The MasterChef upheaval comes as the BBC faces scrutiny over the Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary which after a review was found to have breached the corporation's editorial guidelines on accuracy. The corporation has also been criticised over its coverage of Glastonbury, particularly the livestream of punk duo Bob Vylan's set, during which singer Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, led crowds in chants of 'death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)'. In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.
The Herald Scotland
28 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Warning issued to homeowners as caterpillar destroys gardens
Ecology specialists at Arbtech have raised the alarm over the caterpillars as they are a species that's wreaking havoc on box hedging and topiary plants across the UK. The caterpillars, which are the larvae of the box tree moth, feed on box leaves and bark, often leaving once-pristine shrubs brown, bare, and beyond saving in a matter of days. This species of caterpillar can easily destroy plants (Image: Getty) Are box tree moth caterpillars dangerous for humans or pets? These caterpillars don't pose a direct threat to humans or pets, but they are said to be a nightmare for avid gardeners, especially those with ornamental hedges or neatly clipped box borders. First spotted in the UK in 2007, box tree moths have spread rapidly, with sightings now common in gardens across southern and central England. Numbers typically spike between April and October, with multiple generations hatching during the warmer months, leading to new waves of hungry caterpillars. Activity is particularly high in July and August, and if left untreated, infestations can be devastating, with heavily infested plants often needing to be removed and replaced altogether. Plants that could damage the value of your home 'Many people don't realise there's a problem until it's too late' An ecologist from Arbtech said: 'Box tree moth caterpillars might look harmless, but they're an invasive species that can strip a healthy plant in no time - and because they often feed from the inside out, many people don't realise there's a problem until it's too late. 'Box hedging is hugely popular in British gardens, so this species is having a serious impact not just aesthetically, but financially too. 'We're urging homeowners to check their plants regularly over the summer months. Look for tell-tale signs like webbing, leaf loss, or green-and-black striped caterpillars.' Describing the caterpillars, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said: 'It is native to East Asia and became established in Europe in 2007. 'Although the first adult moth arrived in Britain in 2007, followed by several moths to light traps in 2008, caterpillars were not found in private gardens until 2011 in the home counties.' How to prevent box tree moth caterpillar damaging your garden The team at Arbtech have shared some tips to help you prevent the box tree moth caterpillar from damaging your garden. Look for chewed leaves, sudden browning or thinning patches in your plants as they could be caused by these caterpillars (Image: Getty) Check box plants weekly for signs of leaf loss or webbing Regular checks are the best way to catch an infestation early. Box tree caterpillars often start feeding from inside the plant, so damage might not be obvious straight away. Look for chewed leaves, sudden browning or thinning patches. Webbing in the centre of the plant, often mistaken for spider silk, is a common sign. You may also spot black pellets (droppings) around the base or within the foliage. Look out for green caterpillars with black heads and white stripes Box tree caterpillars are bright green with black heads and thick black and white stripes running down their bodies. Most are around 2-4cm long. You'll often find them hidden deep inside the plant, especially on the underside of leaves or in sheltered spots. As numbers grow, they may spread outwards and become more visible. How to get rid of these common garden pests If you spot one, it's likely there are more nearby. Catching them early is key to avoiding serious damage to your box plants. Remove caterpillars by hand where possible For small infestations, you can remove caterpillars by hand - just make sure to wear gloves. The earlier you treat the problem, the more likely you are to save the plant. Timing is crucial - aim to treat when the caterpillars are actively feeding, typically in late spring and again in late summer. Dispose of affected clippings carefully to avoid spreading the moth If you prune or remove an infested plant, dispose of the clippings responsibly. Don't compost them at home, as eggs or larvae could survive and spread. Instead, bag up the waste and take it to a local recycling centre that handles green waste or follow your council's guidance. It's also a good idea to clean your tools afterwards to prevent spreading the caterpillars or their eggs to healthy plants. Careful disposal plays a big role in limiting the spread of the box tree moth - especially in areas where it's already established, the specialists at Arbtech explain. Avoid unnecessary pruning in peak months Pruning stimulates new, soft growth, which is exactly what box tree caterpillars love to eat. Recommended reading: To avoid attracting them, try not to prune during peak activity months (usually April to September). If trimming is needed, do it in late autumn or winter when caterpillars are inactive. Over-pruning in summer not only weakens the plant but also makes it more attractive to egg-laying moths. Keeping your box plants in good shape without excessive cutting will help reduce their vulnerability to infestations and keep your garden looking healthier for longer.
