News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABBOTSFORD, BC, November 5, 2007 - Matsqui Institution's main living unit has been locked down since 9 p.m. on November 2 to facilitate a search of the institution.

The Warden authorized the exceptional search for weapons, drugs, illicit cell phones or other dangerous items following a series of incidents, including assaults on inmates, the use of homemade alcohol, ongoing drug dealing and drug collecting activities.

Regularly-scheduled visits to the institution have been suspended for the duration of the lockdown. 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 336 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Gordon Tanner
A/Assistant Warden, Management Services
Matsqui Institution
Phone: (604) 850-8205