To date this year 69 prison inmates have tested positive in a total of 778 drug tests. Thirty-three others refused to take the test.
Answering a parliamentary question by Opposition whip Joe Mizzi, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said no criminal procedures were taken in court against those who took the test and came out positive, but prison in-house disciplinary procedures were taken against those who tested positive and those who refused the test.
Court procedures were instituted against inmates found in possession of illegal substances.