News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, B.C., December 6, 2004 - Inmates at Matsqui Institution were locked in their cells as the institution was placed on lock down Sunday at 7 p.m. (December 5, 2004) to facilitate searching of the institution.

This action was taken after quantities of brew (illicit, home-made alcohol), drugs and weapons were found over the previous few days. There also has been an elevated level of confrontational inmate behaviour. An exceptional search is underway to locate any further brew, brew-making materials, drugs, drug paraphernalia or weapons in the institution.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution have been suspended for the duration of the lockdown.

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 300 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Wayne Marston
Assistant Warden, Management Services
(604) 850-8443