News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DONNACONA, QC, August 2, 2005 - On July 30, 2005, an ion scan of a visitor alerted correctional officers to pay close attention to the visit. While visiting an inmate, the visitor was able to pass a quantity of drugs to the inmate, who hid it in his body cavities. The inmate was escorted to the health care unit and placed in a dry cell under supervision, where he co-operated in handing over the drugs.

As well, efforts by the security intelligence officer led to the seizure of another quantity of drugs from the visitor's vehicle. The seizure yielded a total of 73.5 grams of marijuana, 2 Ecstasy pills and 3 Desyrel pills, with an institutional value of over $7,600. The inmate has been placed in segregation and the visitor made a written statement after contacting her lawyer. Charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking should be laid shortly in both cases.

Since the beginning of the fiscal year, 535 grams of hashish, 159.03 grams of marijuana, 3.1 grams of cocaine, 0.2 grams of crack, 21 grams of steroids, 3 Desyrel pills and 29 Ecstasy pills have been confiscated, representing an institutional value of approximately $68,900.

The authorities at Donnacona Institution wish to remind citizens that there is a toll-free telephone line (1-866-355-DONA or (3662)) for reporting any pressure to which a visitor may be subjected by other visitors and/or inmates involved in drug trafficking, intimidation, assault and loan sharking. Such information is treated with confidentiality and a Security Intelligence Officer provides follow-up.

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For further information, media representatives are asked to contact:

Stéphane Jaillet
Assistant Warden, Management Services
(418) 285-2455, ext. 2110