There have been nearly 30 "code blues" at a prison where a contaminated batch of illegal drugs is feared to have caused two deaths.

Prison staff trigger a code blue in a severe medical situation such as a drugs overdose, where symptoms could include breathing difficulties or unconsciousness.

Multiple ambulances have been called to HMP Ranby - a Category C prison in Nottinghamshire - between Tuesday and Thursday. At least 25 inmates are believed to have been "under the influence".

Sources also told the BBC the "bad batch" of Mamba, a synthetic cannabinoid, had most likely been delivered by drone.

They said the prison had been in "lockdown" and that searches had been undertaken.

One source, who did not want to be named, said: "I have never seen it [the prison] this bad."

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said it attended Ranby on Tuesday - the day before the inmates' deaths - and Wednesday. A spokesperson confirmed it had also received a call on Thursday.

During the last full inspection of Ranby in February 2025, HM Inspectorate of Prisons found 23% of prisoners tested positive for drugs, and a quarter said they had developed a drug or alcohol habit while serving their sentence.

In a report at the time, Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, said: "The influx of drones bringing large amounts of contraband into this East Midlands Category C prison was affecting outcomes for prisoners in many areas."

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: "No arrests have been made as of yet, and our investigation is still ongoing.

"We are working with the Prison Ombudsman and HMP Ranby, and a file has been prepared for the coroner."

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) confirmed it had been informed of the deaths.

A spokesperson for the PPO added: "The deaths will be investigated individually, however, we have allocated then to the same investigator to ensure we consider any wider, systemic issues at Ranby, as well as if there is a connection between them."

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