Drug Policy of Sweden - Imprisonment For Drug Crimes

Imprisonment For Drug Crimes

In 2004 Sweden had 84 people per 100,000 in either prison or remand prison. This is less than the average for the OECD (132 persons per 100 000) and much less than the number for the United States (725 per 100 000). The average number of prisoners per day is 4700.

In 2008, 23% of those imprisoned were primarily convicted for drug crimes or goods trafficking. A majority of the prisoners have more or less serious drug addiction before they come to the prison, but random drug test of the prisoners show a low and decreasing number (less that 2%) of ongoing drug use inside the Swedish prisons. This has helped to create a more calm situation also in high security prisons. Regular urine and sweat test are performed, dogs trained to find drugs is also used and more strict control of visitors. In addition to traditional methods, e.g. education and social rehabilitation, a large range of national treatment programmes are offered.

Read more about this topic:  Drug Policy Of Sweden

Famous quotes containing the words imprisonment, drug and/or crimes:

    ... imprisonment itself, entailing loss of liberty, loss of citizenship, separation from family and loved ones, is punishment enough for most individuals, no matter how favorable the circumstances under which the time is passed.
    Mary B. Harris (1874–1957)

    If an addict who has been completely cured starts smoking again he no longer experiences the discomfort of his first addiction. There exists, therefore, outside alkaloids and habit, a sense for opium, an intangible habit which lives on, despite the recasting of the organism.... The dead drug leaves a ghost behind. At certain hours it haunts the house.
    Jean Cocteau (1889–1963)

    I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with Blood.
    John Brown (1800–1859)