Seizure of Unauthorized Items at Ferndale Institution

Mission, British Columbia, May 17, 2012 – AAt approximately 2150 on May 12, 2012, Correctional Officers intercepted a member of the public who was attempting to introduce unauthorized items into Ferndale Institution, a minimum security federal penitentiary.

This seizure was the result of the efforts of Correctional Officers. The unauthorized items seized included 41 packages of tobacco. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at approximately $4 100.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has a number of tools available that are consistently used in efforts to control the flow of drugs and unauthorised items 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.

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For more information, media personnel may contact:

Tanis Kinney
Assistant Warden Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Ferndale Institution
604-820-5755