News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTRABAND AT STONY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTION

WINNIPEG, SK, March 13, 2008 - Since the New Year, Stony Mountain Institution has experienced a marked increase in throw-over activity where trespassers on the penitentiary reserve attempt to throw contraband into the inmate exercise yard.

On January 31, the officer in the motor patrol observed an attempt to throw a package into the exercise yard. Officers responded and recovered a package before inmates could retrieve it. The package contained approximately 212 grams of marijuana, with an estimated institutional value of nearly $17,000.

On February 26, officers noted a trespasser on the penitentiary reserve. Though unable to apprehend the individual, officers were able to provide a description of the person as well as a suspicious vehicle to the police. Responding officers recovered a large package containing marijuana, crack cocaine, and ecstasy pills with an estimated institutional value of nearly $38,000.

On March 7, the officer in a security tower observed an attempt to throw multiple packages. Officers responded and recovered two packages containing approximately 150 grams of marijuana (estimated institutional value $12,000) as well as a cellular phone and wireless e-mail device.

The Correctional Service of Canada is committed to a zero tolerance policy 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 Office receives, analyzes, and acts upon intelligence information from various sources. There is also a community policing relationship with the nearby Village of Stony Mountain and the RCMP that has resulted in tips and arrests.

Stony Mountain appreciates the assistance of members of the public in preventing the flow of drugs into our prisons. Members of the community of Stony Mountain who observe suspicious activity on the perimeter of the institution can call a dedicated hotline at 204-344-7132 that connects them directly with an officer in our Main Command and Control Post. Visitors who are being threatened or coerced into bringing drugs to a friend or family member, or others with information about the institutional drug trade can call our Tip Line at 204-344-6000 to speak with a member of our security intelligence department.

Stony Mountain Institution is a federal institution for medium security inmates located 11 kilometers north of Winnipeg. There are currently 555 inmates in total at the facility.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Chris McLauchlan
Media Relations Officer
Stony Mountain Institution
Correctional Service of Canada
204-344-5111