News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, BC, January 2, 2007 - Inmates at Matsqui Institution have been locked in their cells since January 1 when the institution was placed on lock down to facilitate searching of the institution.

This action was taken after a quantity of brew (illicit, home-made alcohol), a cell phone and weapons were found over the previous several days. Some inmates have also demonstrated an elevated level of threatening behaviour.

An exceptional search is now underway to locate any further brew, brew-making materials, weapons or other dangerous items.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution have been suspended for the duration of the lockdown. Already scheduled private family visits are continuing.

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 333 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Randie Scott
Assistant Warden, Management Services
604-850-8205