News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCKDOWN AND SEARCH AT MATSQUI INSTITUTION

Abbotsford BC, October 25th 2011  - At approximately 2323 hrs, on Sunday October 23rd, as a result of routine patrols, suspicious activities were noted within a restricted area of the institutional perimeter of Matsqui Institution, a medium security federal penitentiary. In order to ensure the ongoing safety and security of institutional staff and inmates the Institution has been placed in lockdown in order to facilitate an exceptional search.

Visits will be suspended until the search has been completed.

CSC has set up a telephone Tip-Line at all federal institutions to provide an additional source for receiving information about activities that relate to the safety and security of CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that could threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates or people working at a CSC facility.

The toll-free Tip-Line number, 1 866 780-3784, assures that the information received is protected and callers can choose to remain anonymous. http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/vids/htm/drugs-eng.shtml

CSC is committed to preventing contraband from entering its institutions. Our efforts contribute towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, MEDIA PERSONNEL MAY CONTACT:

Scott Verwold
A/Assistant Warden Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Matsqui Institution 
604-850-8205