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

October 30, 2019 – Kingston, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

On October 29, 2019, staff members confiscated multiple packages containing contraband and unauthorized items in the medium security unit at Collins Bay Institution .

This seizure is the result of the combined efforts of correctional officers, detector-dog teams and security intelligence officers.

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.

Visits have been suspended until further notice.

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 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 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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