December 1, 2018 – Cowansville, Québec – Correctional Service Canada

During the week of November 19^th, 2018, sector searches made by correctional officers at Cowansville Institution, a medium security federal institution, permitted the interception of contraband and unauthorized items into the institution.

The result of the combined efforts of correctional officers, detector-dog teams and security intelligence officers allowed the seizure of contraband and unauthorized items. Items seized include 38.6 grams of drugs, 78.6 grams of cannabis, cellphones, and USB sticks. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $34,440.

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.

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