London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – The recent death of a Brook House detainee may be linked to the drug spice.
The death of a detainee at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre is suspected to be linked to the drug spice, marking what may be the first fatality of its kind. The incident raises concerns about drug use and safety within the facility.
What led to the detainee’s tragic death?
The 26-year-old detainee, reportedly a French national, died in his cell on 27 October. An investigation by the prison’s ombudsman is underway, and an inquest will likely follow. Diplomatic sources from France confirm they are closely monitoring the case with British authorities. This death is the first in UK immigration detention in nearly a year and one of 22 in the past decade.
How has the Home Office responded?
The Home Office contractor Serco, which manages Brook House, issued two warnings to detainees following the man’s death. The first letter cautioned against taking uncontrolled substances, while the second letter directly referenced spice, warning of its potential to cause extreme reactions and unconsciousness among detainees.
What do fellow detainees say about conditions?
Two detainees who knew the deceased man spoke about his declining mental health, mentioning his plea to return to France. One believed he was using spice through vapes, while another expressed concern over increased contraband and drug use within Brook House. They highlighted how the center’s environment exacerbates mental health issues, often leading detainees to substance use as a coping mechanism.
What past issues have Brook House faced?
Brook House has previously faced scrutiny over detainee abuse and drug use. A 2017 BBC *Panorama* exposé revealed concerning the treatment of detainees, leading to a public inquiry. In September 2023, an inquiry report warned that spice-related incidents were so severe that detainees often appeared like “zombies” and that death was only “a matter of time.”
What actions are advocacy groups calling for?
Emma Ginn, director of Medical Justice, called the connection between death and drug use deeply troubling. She emphasized that immigration detention can be particularly harmful to vulnerable individuals, calling for an end to the use of such facilities for indefinite detention.
How are authorities addressing drug entry prevention?
A Serco spokesperson assured that resident safety at Brook House is their primary focus, noting that ongoing efforts to curb drug entry involve advanced technology, specialized dogs, and intelligence-led interventions. The Home Office echoed this stance, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy on drugs and commitment to strengthening protocols against illicit substances in immigration centres.