News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORT CARTIER, QC, March 10, 2006 - At approximately 2:25 p.m. on March 9, 2006, officers at Port Cartier Institution, a maximum-security federal penitentiary, seized contraband from an inmate, specifically, 96 g of white powder (to be identified) and 55 Rivotril tablets.

The analysis of the white powder and the case itself have been handed over to the Sûreté du Québec, and charges could be laid against the inmate.

In its efforts to stop drugs from being brought into the institution, Port Cartier Institution has set up a toll free telephone line (1 800 713 5424) that citizens can use to provide the appropriate party with information concerning any pressure being exerted on them by visitors or inmates involved in drug trafficking, intimidation, assault or loan sharking. Such information is treated with confidentiality and a Security Intelligence Officer provides follow up.

This effort to prevent drugs from being brought into federal institutions is in keeping with a broader perspective, that of the Correctional Service of Canada's Mission to contribute to the protection of society by exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control of the inmates under its responsibility. At the same time, the Service strives to implement its strategies to resolve problems related to drug use and associated health and safety problems.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Joël Martin
Acting Assistant Warden, Management Services
(418) 766 7070, ext. 2707