News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTRABAND SEIZURE - MATSQUI INSTITUTION

Abbotsford, BC, July 12, 2010 - On July 11, 2010, the drug detector dog in service at Matsqui Institution alerted for the odor of narcotics on a visitor for an inmate. Staff interviewed the visitor, who produced a package that was tested and found to contain heroin. The amount of drug has an approximate institutional value of $9,000. The inmate was placed in segregation. An investigation is ongoing.

The presence of drugs in prisons 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.

As part of its Transformation Agenda, CSC is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering institutions, in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone, and promote a rehabilitative environment for inmates. CSC also works in partnership with the police to prosecute inmates and others who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

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:

Ben McBeath
A/Assistant Warden Management Services
Matsqui Institution
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 4P3
Correctional Service of Canada
604-850-8205