News Releases

Pacific Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGASSIZ, BC, March 10, 2006 - The lock down of inmates at Mountain Institution ended at 4 p.m. today, March 10, 2006. Regularly scheduled visits and other planned activities have now recommenced.

Mountain Institution had initiated a lock down and exceptional search on March 2, 2006 as a result of a threat being made to an officer, referencing the use of an edged weapon.

After an extensive search of the institutional facilities and grounds it has been determined that the institution is safe to return to regular routine.

Security intelligence staff have identified three possible suspects alleged to be responsible for the threat. These inmates have been transferred to another institution where a criminal investigation is being conducted by the RCMP and security intelligence staff.

Numerous unauthorized items and weapons were also seized including homemade knives, tattoo machines, drug paraphernalia and money.

Due to the length of time the inmates have been confined to their cells a gradual and controlled release is being undertaken. The inmate population is compliant.

Mountain Institution is a federal medium-security institution located 120 kilometers east of Vancouver. The institution currently houses 450 inmates.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Gordon Mattson
A/Assistant Warden, Management Services
Mountain Institution
(604) 796-1438