MORE than 20 vehicles were recently stopped and searched at HMP Hewell, turning up a variety of contraband and illegal items.

Police, together with the Midland Area Search Team from the Tardebigge prison, uncovered drugs, a lock knife, a number of prison prohibited articles, and several driving offences which included driving with no licence and drug driving.

The aim was to target drugs and contraband being brought in to the prison.

The Advertiser recently reported that the prison had been slammed as "inhumane" and not fit for the 21st Century.

In a report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), HMP Hewell was accused of having a growing drugs problem and told it was not providing a service fit for the 21st Century for inmates or staff.

The annual report said the prison provides a poor environment for prisoners and is yet to overcome the widespread use of illicit drugs and mobile phones.

A Prison Service spokesman said they are renovating existing facilities as well as upgrading security netting, cell windows, toilet and showering facilities – while working to identify more ways to improve the prison environment.