Seizure of unauthorized items at Dorchester Penitentiary – Minimum, security unit

December 18, 2018 – Dorchester, New Brunswick – Correctional Service Canada

On December 17, 2018, at about 9:45 a.m., Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and correctional staff in the minimum security unit at Dorchester Penitentiary, intercepted an inmate who was attempting to bring unauthorized items into the institution.

On December 17, 2018, during the 7:30 a.m. count in the minimum security unit at Dorchester Penitentiary, staff members discovered that an inmate was not accounted for. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) immediately contacted the Sackville detachment of the RCMP and advised the surrounding communities.  At approximately 9:45 a.m. on December 17, 2018, the inmate was located in an unauthorized area on the prison property where he was hiding with a package of unauthorized items.

This seizure is the result of the combined efforts of security intelligence, correctional officers, detector-dog team and the RCMP. The unauthorized items seized includes 59 bales of tobacco and 50 packages of rolling paper. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $11,800.

Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

CSC introduced a complete smoking ban in all federal correctional institutions in 2008.

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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