News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRUG SEIZURE AT COWANSVILLE INSTITUTION

LAVAL, December 13, 2010 – On December 12, 2010, at Cowansville Institution, a medium-security federal penitentiary, staff vigilance led to the seizure of 46 grams of hashish from a visitor during a routine search. This contraband has an institutional value worth $4,600.

Sûreté du Québec officers arrested the visitor, and an investigation is underway.

As part of its Transformation Agenda, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from being brought into institutions in order to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone and promote offender rehabilitation. CSC also works in partnership with the police to prosecute inmates and others who attempt to bring contraband into the institutions.

CSC uses a number of tools on a continuous basis to prevent the circulation of drugs in the institutions. These include searching offenders, visitors, institutions and cells, as well as using ion scanners and detector dogs.

The authorities at Cowansville Institution wish 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. This 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:

Lucette L’Espérance,
Assistant Warden, Management Services
Cowansville Institution
Correctional Service Canada
(450) 263-3073, ext. 2102