News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, BC, July 5, 2005 - Inmates at Matsqui Institution were locked in their cells as the institution was placed on lockdown yesterday (July 4, 2005) at 5 p.m. to facilitate a frisk search of inmates and a search of the institution.

A kitchen knife has been discovered missing from a private family visiting unit during an inventory check. Initial searching of the area did not locate the whereabouts of the missing knife described as having a serrated blade 12 cm in length.

Prior to commencing an exceptional general search of the institution, staff searched specific inmates and their cells.

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 320 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Cindy Lewis
Acting Assistant Warden, Management Services
(604) 850-8277