Seizure of Drugs at Matsqui Institution

Abbotsford, British Columbia, February 21, 2012 – On February 19, 2012, Correctional Officers intercepted an inmate who was attempting to introduce drugs into Matsqui Institution, a medium security federal penitentiary.

This seizure was the result of the combined efforts of Correctional Officers, the Detector Dog Team and Security Intelligence Officers. The contraband seized included cocaine and marijuana. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at approximately $7,182.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has a number of tools available that are consistently used in efforts to control the flow of drugs into our institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug dogs to search buildings, offenders and visitors.

CSC has set up a telephone Tip-Line at all federal institutions to provide an additional source for receiving information about activities that relate to the safety and security of CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of people visiting, working at, or housed at a CSC facility.

The toll-free Tip-Line number, 1 866 780-3784, assures that information received is protected and callers may choose to remain anonymous. http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/vids/htm/drugs-eng.shtml

CSC is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

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For more information, media personnel may contact:

Eric Bossley
A/Assistant Warden Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Matsqui Institution
604-850-8205