Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Cowansville Institution

October 3, 2019 – Cowansville, Québec – Correctional Service Canada

On September 19 and 20, 2019, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, two packages containing contraband and unauthorized items were seized on the perimeter of Cowansville Institution, a medium security federal institution.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized included 186.5 grams of marijuana, 483.3 grams of tobacco, 16.7 grams of cannabis wax and cell phones. The total institutional value of this seizure is estimated at $34,762.

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 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 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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