The Royal Ulster Constabulary is investigating an apparent attempt to poison jailed loyalist Johnny Adair.
An RUC spokesman says the probe began on Thursday after forensic tests revealed that a bodybuilding drink bought by Adair inside Maghaberry Prison had been contaminated.
A Northern Ireland Prison Service spokeswoman said the Shankill Road loyalist had complained of feeling unwell on December 23rd after finishing a drink mixed with a powder bought at the tuck shop.
The drink was sent to the forensic science agency for routine analysis and results sent back on Thursday confirmed that it included a contaminated substance.
One theory is that is that the drink was spiked while Adair was out of his cell. It is not known at this stage whether loyalists or republicans were involved.
A prison service spokeswoman says: "It would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances surrounding these allegations pending a police investigation."
Adair has enemies on both sides of the political divide. He was shot in the head with an air pistol while attending an outdoor concert in Belfast several years ago.
His close associate John White, of the paramilitary-linked Ulster Democratic Party, says the attack has caused fear among other loyalists at the jail. "It was only through sheer luck that Johnny was not killed and he has now been forced to step up his security in jail."
PA
