Two prison officers rushed to hospital after being overcome by legal high fumes while searching cells
The pair suffered erratic heartbeats and breathlessness after inhaling the fumes at HMP Leeds
TWO prison officers were overcome by legal high fumes while searching cells.
The pair were rushed to hospital after suffering erratic heartbeats and breathlessness.
A source said: “They are thought to have breathed in the fumes during the cell search.
“Both said they felt awful and were lightheaded and suffering from erratic heartbeats.
“An ambulance was called after they deteriorated.
“It was traumatic.”
The guards are thought to have come into contact with a synthetic drug known as Black Mamba or Spice, which gives a cannabis-like hit.
It is increasingly being smuggled into prisons to be used in liquid form.
Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons, has said: “People have died because there is so much money to be made in this trade.”
The Prison Officer Association’s Glyn Travis added: “Fumes from so-called legal highs are very dangerous.
“Our members have reported more and more cases where officers have been affected by second-hand inhaling.
“Many have suffered terrible side-effects, including vomiting and hallucinations.
“Because of cuts and a reduction in staff numbers, it is harder and harder to stop these drugs being smuggled inside.”
The Prison Service said of the October 14 incident at HMP Leeds: “Two staff visited hospital for a check up.
“They returned for their next shift.”