The Home Office has dismissed 29 staff members at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent following positive drug tests—a sixfold increase on the previous year, newly released data reveals.
The facility, near Ramsgate, serves as a primary reception point for asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel.
Many of those processed at Manston are vulnerable and arrive in the UK traumatised by their journeys.
Figures obtained by The Guardian under the Freedom of Information Act show that the number of staff dismissed in 2024 after testing positive for substances such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and unauthorised Tramadol surged dramatically from five or fewer in 2023.
The Home Office confirmed that all individuals who test positive are suspended pending a formal investigation.
Staff at Manston include over 2,000 Home Office employees, contractors and subcontractors throughout the year, though the exact number of detention custody officers—those in direct contact with asylum seekers—remains unclear. Typically, several hundred staff are present on-site during each shift.
Employees caught using illegal substances face dismissal and removal of their accreditation as detention officers. They are also given the opportunity to appeal and request independent analysis of their drug test samples.
The Home Office stated that both random and intelligence-led drug testing is carried out to protect the welfare of detainees, many of whom require sensitive care after enduring dangerous and distressing journeys to the UK.
Assistant General Secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), Andy Baxter, commented: “While the POA cannot condone drug use in the workplace, we would urge the Home Office to consider offering occupational support to staff found to be using drugs.”
This is not the first time Manston has faced controversy over substance abuse. In 2022, the Guardian reported allegations that some staff had attempted to sell drugs to detainees or were using drugs while on duty. Although those involved were removed from the site, no formal sackings for drug use were recorded that year.
Manston has been dogged by wider criticism, notably in 2022 when the centre, built to house 1,600 people, held over 4,000 in squalid conditions.
This led to outbreaks of diphtheria and scabies, and the death of one man from diphtheria. An independent inquiry into those events is now under way.
Emma Ginn, director of the charity Medical Justice, raised serious concerns about the findings: “It is alarming that so many staff responsible for the welfare of vulnerable detainees are allegedly involved in drug use. These individuals require care and compassion—not further risk.”
The Home Office reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drug use. “We have strengthened our procedures and increased testing to safeguard the wellbeing of those passing through Manston,” said a spokesperson.
In a separate incident, it was confirmed that a man attempted to take his own life at the facility last month—an uncommon occurrence due to the usually short duration of stays at the centre.
Commenting on the incident, the Home Office said: “Our duty of care towards those detained at Manston and across our immigration estate remains a top priority.”
