News Releases

Quebec Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRUG SEIZURE AT PORT-CARTIER INSTITUTION

LAVAL, Quebec, June 7, 2011 –On June 4, 2011, staff at Port-Cartier Institution, a maximum-security federal penitentiary, conducted a drug seizure after a visitor handed the goods to an inmate. The intercepted product contained 35.45 grams of marijuana.

The institutional value of the drugs is estimated at $3,500. The visitor was arrested and the Sûreté du Québec was called in.

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

The authorities at Port-Cartier Institution wish to remind citizens that there is a toll-free telephone line, 1-800-713-5424, 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:

Carole Brûlé
A/Assistant Warden, Management Services
Port-Cartier Institution
Correctional Service of Canada
418-766-7070, ext. 2704