Legal highs: Winson Green prison officer arrested on suspicion of selling drugs to inmates

A package believed to contain psychoactive powder, formerly known as legal highs, was found dumped in a bin at HMP Birmingham as part of the probe, and detectives allege suspected packages of cannabis leaf were found in the car of the worker, aged 35.

He was arrested yesterday in what the prison's governor said was a planned operation, after detectives say he avoided a search of staff returning from lunch breaks.

The suspect, from the Kingstanding area of Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply, supplying a psychoactive substance into a prison and misconduct in a public office.

Tests are being carried out on the suspected drugs.

Dc Jim Farrell, from West Midlands Police's prison-based team, said: "Drugs and psychoactive substances are illegal in prison…the effects of drugs can impact negatively on the behaviour of prisoners and increase the likelihood for violence and disorder.

"Anyone found in possession of a banned substance will be prosecuted. Equally, anyone who tries to convey drugs into the jail – either by hurling it over the perimeter wall or smuggling it in person – is likely to find themselves on the other side of the fence. They could face a lengthy jail term."

Director of HMP Birmingham, Peter Small, said: "This arrest, part of a pre-planned operation with West Midlands Police, sends a strong message to those inside and outside the prison that no-one is above the law.

"We expect the highest standards of integrity from those working at the prison and if there is any suggestion that a member of the team has undermined the good work of their colleagues we will always take action.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues for their work leading up to this arrest, which was also made possible by our strong working relationship with West Midlands Police."