News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRUG SEIZURE – COWANSVILLE INSTITUTION

Cowansville, Quebec, April 20, 2010 – On April 19, 2010, the vigilance of staff and the work of intelligence officers at Cowansville Institution, a medium-security federal penitentiary, led to the seizure of a package containing 99 grams of hashish and 69 grams of marijuana from a delivery vehicle.

This attempt to introduce contraband was thwarted during a search by detector dog handlers, who found the package attached underneath the vehicle. The institutional value of the seized products is estimated at $16,800. Two inmates were intercepted during this operation, and Sûreté du Québec was notified.

As part of its Transformation Program, 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 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.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

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