News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRUG SEIZURE - COWANSVILLE INSTITUTION

Cowansville, Quebec, December 15, 2009 – On December 14, 2009, through the vigilance of staff at Cowansville Institution, a medium-security federal penitentiary, a package containing 39.9 grams of hashish resin was seized from an inmate. The institutional value of the contraband is estimated at $4,000. The Sûreté du Québec was contacted.

As part of its Transformation Agenda, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is taking all steps necessary to prevent contraband from being brought into institutions and to provide a safe environment by encouraging inmates to assume more responsibility for achieving the objectives of their correctional plans. CSC is also working in partnership with police forces to prosecute outside violators and inmates who attempt to bring contraband into institutions.

Cowansville Institution wishes to remind the public that there is a toll-free number (1-866-220 7782) for reporting any pressure exerted on a visitor by other visitors and/or inmates involved in drug trafficking, intimidation, assault and loansharking. Such information is kept confidential and will be followed up by a security intelligence officer.

- 30 -

For more information, media representatives may contact:

Alessandria Page,
Assistant Warden, Interventions
Cowansville Institution
Correctional Service Canada
450-263-3073, ext. 2510