Lockdown at Ferndale Institution

Mission, British Columbia, August 9, 2012 – On August 7, Ferndale Institution, a minimum security federal penitentiary was placed on lockdown in order to facilitate a general search of the institution. The search is a result of the seizure of steroids and other unauthorized items with an institutional value exceeding $2,800.

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.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution may be affected. Those who have previously scheduled visits are asked to contact the institution directly.

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:

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