A study that investigated 19 prisoner deaths between April 2012 and September 2014 reported that the use of synthetic drugs were among the "relevant" factors of the said fatalities, Mirror UK reported.
According to the Prions and Probation Ombudsman, using the new psychoactive substances (NPSs), also called "legal highs", is a "source of increasing concern" among prisoners.
The "legal highs" refer to the synthetic substances contained by chemical cannabinoids like "Spice" and "Black Mamba", which effects are likened to those of natural cannabis.
These drugs reportedly cause "erratic, violent and out of character behavior" in addition to incoherence and difficulty to stand, which potentially leads to a more dangerous risk.
"There is emerging evidence that there are dangers to both physical and mental health, and there may - in some cases - be links to suicide or self-harm. Staff and other prisoners may be at risk from users reacting violently to the effects of NPS," said ombudsman, Nigel Newcomen.
"Trading of these substances in prison can also lead to debt, violence and intimidation," he added. "This creates the potential to increase self-harm or suicide among the vulnerable, as well as adding to the security and control problems facing staff."
Newcomen, however, admits that these NPS-triggered cases are difficult to be proven as those who have died were taking other prescribed drugs aside from NPSs.
"It is impossible, both for the prisoner and those providing medical care, to predict the consequences of such combinations," Newcomen explained, in determining the strength of NPSs as factors in becoming ill or self-harm.
PPO suggests tight control and legal action against selling of NPSs inside the prison and drug-awareness programs for prisoners and prison staff.
Mirror UK added that according to the government's new law, people arrested for selling illegal drugs will be detained for seven years in prison.
