Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Cowansville Institution

COWANSVILLE, QC, Nov. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - On November 13, 2018, correctional officers at Cowansville Institution, a medium security federal institution, intercepted an inmate who was attempting to bring contraband into the institution.

The institution was placed on lockdown on November 13 around 6:30 p.m.to allow staff to conduct a general search. The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. Normal operations resumed on November 16 around 1:00 p.m.  

The result of the combined efforts of correctional officers, detector-dog team and security intelligence officers allow the seizure of contraband and unauthorized items during this search. Items seized include 43.3 grams of drug, 27.6 grams of cannabis, cellphones, and USB sticks. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $50,000.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

CSC has set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates and staff members working at CSC institutions.

The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.

SOURCE Correctional Services Canada - Quebec

Karine Grenon, Directrice adjointe, Services de gestion, Établissement Cowansville, [phone], poste 2102