News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTRABAND SEIZURE – MATSQUI INSTITUTION

Abbotsford, BC, April 16, 2010 - On April 13, 2010, at approximately 1417 hrs, an inmate was observed by staff retrieving a package near the perimeter fence. Staff responded and the inmate was placed in segregation. The two large packages were found between the fences. The packages contained a large quantity of tobacco, two cell phones with chargers, a computer cord and a large quantity of illegal drugs and steroids. An investigation is ongoing.

The presence of drugs in institutions continues to be of great concern to the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) as it is often related to the commission of crimes, the transmission of infectious diseases and violence in institutions. CSC is committed to eliminating drug use in its facilities by reducing both the supply of and demand for drugs among offenders.

The staff and management at Matsqui Institution wish to remind citizens that there is a toll-free telephone tip-line 1-866-780-3784. CSC has set up this line for all federal institutions in the Pacific Region to provide an additional source for receiving information about activities that relate to those involved in drug trafficking, intimidation, assault and loan sharking. Such information is treated with confidentiality, and a security intelligence officer will provide follow-up.

Matsqui Institution is a medium security facility operated by CSC. It is located in Abbotsford and has a current population of 259 male offenders.

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For further information media representatives may contact:

Gordon Tanner
Assistant Warden Management Services
Matsqui Institution
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 4P3
Correctional Service Canada
604-850-8205