At HMP Swaleside, a high-security prison on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, inmates have been brewing homemade alcoholic beverages, known locally as “hooch,” using stolen sugar, according to prison oversight reports. The sugar, taken from the prison’s delivery stores managed by DHL, has been traded within the facility for up to £35 per packet—more than 30 times its standard retail price.

Prison inspectors and independent monitors have raised alarms over the illicit production of alcohol, noting that the sugar theft appears to be organised and carried out “to order.” The homemade alcohol is reportedly created by combining sugar with water and yeast, supplementing the availability of illicit substances already circulating within the prison, including cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids commonly referred to as spice. Many contraband drugs reportedly enter the facility through drones delivering packages over the prison perimeter.

Earlier this year, HMP Swaleside was placed under emergency measures after inspectors documented that approximately half of the inmate population was using drugs. This level of drug use contributes to what officials have described as “some of the highest levels of violence of any prison in England and Wales.” Staff and prisoners face constant threats from violence, with numerous inmates reportedly manufacturing and carrying weapons. Fear of violence has led many prisoners to avoid communal activities such as gym sessions and medical appointments. According to the latest inspections, 43 percent of prisoners said they currently feel unsafe within the facility.

Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, expressed particular concern over the deteriorating environment at Swaleside. In comments made last month, he remarked that it was the first time during his six-year tenure that he felt “uneasy” walking through a prison, citing a “primeval” atmosphere of underlying violence.

The prison’s independent monitoring board (IMB) has also voiced worries about the strain placed on healthcare staff as they spend significant time assessing prisoners intoxicated by homemade hooch or drugs. The board pointed to ongoing challenges with “shrinkage”—the loss of items such as sugar from the DHL delivery hub—an issue apparently accepted by prison management despite security concerns raised by the security governor.

Following these findings, HMP Swaleside was the subject of an urgent notification by Mr. Taylor. This formal move requires the Justice Secretary to develop and implement an emergency action plan aimed at addressing the prison’s critical safety and security problems.