Seizure of Drugs and Lockdown at Mountain Institution

Agassiz, British Columbia, March 1, 2012 – At approximately 13:00 on February 29, 2012, Correctional Officers intercepted an inmate who was attempting to introduce drugs into Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal penitentiary. This seizure was the result of the combined efforts of Correctional Officers and Security Intelligence Officers. The contraband seized included heroin.

The institution was placed on lockdown in order to facilitate a general search of the institution. The search is being conducted to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the institution, its staff and the inmates. The institution will return to normal routine when it is determined safe to do so.

The police were notified and the institution is investigating.

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.

-30-

For more information, media personnel may contact:

Brenda Lamm
Assistant Warden Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Mountain Institution
(604) 796- 1438