News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DONNACONA, QC, January 16, 2007 - On January 13, 2007, a large quantity of drugs intended for institutional trafficking were found at Donnacona Institution, a maximum-security federal penitentiary.

Late that evening, a patrol officer noticed footprints in the snow between the perimeter and the wooded area surrounding the institution. Moments later, the officer noticed two ball-shaped packages on the ground in the interior yard.

These packages had obviously been thrown. They contained 133 grams of hashish resin, 29 grams of hashish and 97 grams of marijuana all worth an estimated $37,000 in the institution.

This new attempt, occurring 10 days after the initial seizure of a large amount of narcotics at Donnacona Institution under similar circumstances, highlights the importance that the Correctional Service of Canada places on fighting institutional drug trafficking. The Correctional Service of Canada has shared all of its information with the Sûreté du Québec which is now conducting a new investigation.

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 will provide follow-up.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Richard Bolduc
Assistant Warden, Management Services
418-285-2455, ext. 2150