News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRUMHELLER, AB, May 16, 2007 - Correctional officers searching an inmate cell on May 12 found 60 grams of rock cocaine. The institutional value of the narcotics is estimated at about $8,400.

The RCMP has been notified of the contraband seizure and is investigating.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is committed to a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs. The CSC has a national drug interdiction strategy that uses a combination of screening techniques for visitors, and dynamic security provided by Correctional Officers. Officers are trained to observe and act on suspicious activity as well as conduct routine searches. The use of an ion scan machine at the main entrance can detect drugs that are on or have been in contact with visitors. The drug dog can detect hidden drugs, be they on people or otherwise. The Security Intelligence department receives, analyzes, and acts upon intelligence information from various sources, including partnerships with community partners. Drumheller Institution has implemented a toll free tip line for staff to gather information.

Drumheller Institution is a federal penitentiary located 140 km southeast of Calgary, currently accommodating 532 medium security and 72 minimum security inmates.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Darlene Haines
403-820-5101