News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, B.C., May 5, 2004 - The lock down of inmates at Matsqui Institution ended today at 7 a.m. and the facility returned to normal operation.

Inmates had been confined to their cells since 7 a.m. on May 3 to facilitate a through search of the institution. The decision to lock down was taken after noting some drug activity indicators and the discovery of three home made knives over the previous week.

The search resulted in the confiscation of home made knives (edged and/or sharpened), drugs, drug paraphernalia, home brew and other unauthorized items.

Matsqui Institution is a medium security facility operated by the Correctional Service of Canada. It is located in Abbotsford and has a current population of 322 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Randie F. Scott
Acting Assistant Warden, Management Services
(604) 850-8205