Commons report warns of ‘endemic’ drug culture in prisons as scrutiny intensifies over G4S-run jail

DEATHS connected to HMP Parc in Bridgend have now been linked to the volatile threat of synthetic opioids, according to a damning new report published by the House of Commons Justice Committee.

The report warns that the trade and use of illicit drugs in prisons has reached endemic levels, with inspectors identifying a prevailing culture of acceptance that tolerates drug use and undermines safety, control and rehabilitation.

It follows confirmation from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) that two further deaths connected to Parc — those of Eric McShane, 27, and Peter Kaminsky, 57 — remain under investigation.

Two more deaths under investigation

As we reported last week, the latest cases concern Eric McShane, born 13 February 1997, who died on 11 September 2025, and Peter Kaminsky, born 2 February 1968, who died on 4 October 2025.

Both men died in the community — McShane nine days after his release from custody, and Kaminsky while on compassionate release to receive end-of-life care at home. Both deaths are being investigated by the PPO as part of its remit to review fatalities occurring within 14 days of release.

An HMP Parc spokesperson said: “A prisoner aged 57 died at home on 4 October 2025 while on compassionate release to receive end-of-life care. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“A former prisoner, aged 27, died in the community on 11 September 2025, nine days after his release from HMP Parc. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and friends.

“All deaths in custody, and those that occur within 14 days of release, are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death is ultimately for the coroner to determine.”

The prison added that there has not been an apparent or confirmed drug-related death at Parc since April 2024.

Commons report exposes scale of crisis

The Justice Committee report paints a grim picture of life inside UK prisons, warning that 39% of prisoners say it is easy to acquire drugs, and that 11% of men and 19% of women develop a new drug or alcohol problem after entering custody.

It found that synthetic opioids such as nitazenes — many times stronger than heroin — are fuelling a surge in overdoses and deaths.

“These substances are significantly more potent than heroin and present an acute threat of overdose, having already been linked to deaths at HMP Parc in 2024,” the report states.

The Ombudsman previously confirmed that four drug-related deaths at Parc in 2024 were linked to nitazene use, prompting warnings to prisoners about the lethal risk.

‘Guinea pigs’ for new drugs

The committee said inmates are being coerced into using new, unregulated drugs as guinea pigs, while boredom and prolonged confinement — often up to 22 hours a day in cells — are driving widespread substance use.

“The system is failing, and the human cost is unacceptable,” MPs said. “Once exposed to the menu of drugs available in prison, pressure from the established subculture makes it exceptionally difficult to resist.”

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigated 833 deaths between December 2022 and December 2024, of which 136 (16%) were classified as drug-related.

Protest outside Parc Prison

On Saturday (November 1), campaigners gathered outside HMP Parc to demand accountability for the growing number of deaths linked to the Bridgend jail. Around 30 protesters attended the event called “G4S Out of HMP Parc , carrying banners and flags calling for change and an end to private prison contracts.

Leading the demonstration was Zack Griffiths, of the UK Prisons for Justice group, who has been campaigning for reform following his own time in custody. Addressing the crowd, he said: “People have lost brothers, sons, parents, uncles – so many families are affected and G4S, who run this prison, need to be held accountable for these deaths. There is no accountability, things are not improving and we need to keep fighting so that the voices of the families of those who died, and those still in the jail, are heard.”

It was not the first protest to take place at the prison. Similar demonstrations have been held in previous years, as public anger grows over safety standards, drug use, and the rising number of deaths connected to the facility.

Campaigner recovering after stabbing

The most recent deaths were highlighted by Zack Griffiths, who was himself released from custody only days ago.

Mr Griffiths is currently recovering after being stabbed shortly after his release, an incident now under police investigation.

Before the attack, he warned of a continuing crisis at Parc, accusing management of failing to stop the spread of synthetic drugs and calling for an end to private prison contracts.

Supporters of Mr Griffiths say his recall to prison earlier this year — for alleged criminality that was later found unproven in court — was an attempt to silence him.

Another prison campaigner, working closely with Griffiths was arrested this week on allegations of making threats to kill. Tom Blewitt took to social media to state that the arrest was politically motivated. He stated: “South Wales Police why are you making false allegations against me. I’ve got all the evidence on camera… you will be exposed officer!”

The Herald has asked the police for a comment.

The Herald’s campaign for change

Over the past year, The Pembrokeshire Herald and Herald.Wales have led sustained coverage of the growing crisis at Parc Prison — exposing multiple deaths, highlighting families’ experiences, and pressing both G4S and the UK Ministry of Justice for transparency.

Our reporting has documented the shocking rise in drug-related fatalities, the availability of synthetic substances, and the urgent need for independent oversight of private-run prisons in Wales.

We continue to campaign for accountability, safer custody standards, and a public inquiry into how so many lives have been lost under the current system.

Calls for accountability

Welsh Members of the Senedd have urged the UK Government to review safety standards at Parc, which houses more than 1,700 men and young offenders.

With the Ombudsman continuing to examine the deaths of McShane and Kaminsky, campaigners say pressure is mounting for a full independent inquiry into drug use, post-release deaths, and the wider management of Wales’s largest prison.

The Herald understands both investigations remain active, and reports will be published once the Ombudsman’s findings are complete.