The latest report from the Irish Penal Reform Trust shows the rise.
A former officer in a Laois prison and criminologist says drug seizures in prisons continue to be an issue.
A new report from the Irish Penal Reform Trust shows 69 were made last year in Midlands prison, up from 58 in 2023.
However in Portlaoise, the figure is down 55% from 48 to 22.
Former officer in Portlaoise Prison John Cuffe says it will take some time to tackle:
Two Men Hospitalized Following Assault In Midlands
Two men have been seriously injured following the assault in Longford Town yesterday evening.
Midlands Wind Farm Opponents Face ‘Uphill Battle’
The group is raising concerns over the projects.
Laois Councillor Wants Clarity On NDP
Conor Bergin wants the full list of projects included in the plan.
"If You Build On A Floodplain, I Won't Protect You" - OPW Minister
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has issued a warning to local authorities.
Gardaí Investigate Laois Burglary
Gardening tools were stolen from a shed.
"The Right Action In The Wrong Location" - Action Group Campaigning Against Midlands Windfarm
BNM and SSE Renewables are working to develop a windfarm near Clonmacnoise.
Deadline For Observations on Westmeath Community Centre Tomorrow
A new community centre is being planned for Moate.
Laois County Council Launch Youth Theatre Pilot Proposals
The public have until the end of the month to apply to run a youth theatre in Portlaoise.
OPW Minister To Visit Waterford In March After Flooding
Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran will visit the local authority on March 4th over recent flooding.
Epilepsy Day Highlighting Condition Prevalence In The Midlands
Epilepsy Ireland is promoting how to help people who have uncontrolled seizures.
State Pathologist Reviews Ancient Human Remains Found In Westmeath
Athlone Gardaí reported the discovery of human remains on Carberry Island in Lough Ree last week.
Revenue Seizes Over €105k In Midlands, Kilkenny, Dublin And Rosslare
The detections were achieved through risk profiling and operations guided by intelligence.
Family of Offaly Father Seek Publication Of Report Into Death
The family of Ferbane's Ivan Rosney is to appear in a RTE documentary into the psychiatric care crisis in Irish prisons.
Midlands Stars Survive Fright Night Under The Glitter Ball
Next week is Boy Bands V Girl Groups Night.
Westmeath Library Reopening
It will have new and enhanced facilities.
Gardaí Make €1.7m Midlands Drug Seizure
Suspects heroin and cannabis were discovered in Carlow Town on Sunday
Over €150k Raised For Offaly Teen's Recovery
Clara LGFA has started a fundraiser for Miya Connolly Loonam who was injured in a crash outside Clara.
Two Men Arrested Following Guns And Ammunition Seizure In Midlands
The incident took place on Thursday evening.
Rossie To Aussie Nurse Arrives Down Under For Fundraiser
The challenge ultimately became a two year adventure for Fergal.
Laois IFA Hold AGM To Demand Bord Bia Chair’s Resignation
Mr Murrin's company, Dawn Farm Foods, has been importing beef from Brazil.
