Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Collins Bay Institution – Medium security unit

October 16, 2018 – Kingston, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

On October 15, 2018 at about 7:30 a.m., staff members confiscated multiple packages containing contraband and unauthorized items in the medium security unit at Collins Bay Institution.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized includes marijuana, five cell phones, five cell phone chargers, five USB flash drives, cigars, ceramic knives, scissors, rolling papers and a ratchet socket bit. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $10,000.

The medium security unit was placed on lockdown to allow staff to conduct an exceptional search. The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

Regularly scheduled visits may be affected. Visitors who have already planned a visit are asked to contact the institution directly.

The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

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.

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.

-30-