News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, B.C., May 15, 2004 - The lock down of Inmates at Matsqui Institution ended today at 7:00 AM. The facility returned to normal operation and the regular visiting program resumed.

Inmates had been confined to their cells since 3:30 PM on May 10, 2004 in order to facilitate searching of the institution. The decision to lock down was taken after noting drug activity indicators and the discovery of home made knives.

The searching done to locate drug or weapon-related contraband resulted in the confiscation of home made knives (edged and/or sharpened), drugs, drug paraphernalia, tattooing equipment 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 316 male offenders.

- 30 -

For more information, media representatives may contact:

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