Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Donnacona Institution

News release

October 5, 2020 – Donnacona, Québec – Correctional Service Canada

 

On September 26, 28 and 29, 2020, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Donnacona Institution, a federal maximum-security institution.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized on September 26 included 26.6 grams of cannabis concentrate, 102.7 grams of hashish, 350 grams of tobacco, one cell phone, one SIM card and two cell phone chargers.

On September 28, a package containing 489.6 grams of marijuana, 30.8 grams of wax, 228.5 grams of tobacco and three USB keys was seized.

Finally, on September 29, the institution was placed on lockdown to allow staff to conduct a general search. The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. During this search, seven cell phones, three cell phone chargers, one SIM card, one USB key and three card readers were seized.

The total estimated institutional value of those three seizures is $139,174.

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 also 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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Contacts

Media Relations, Quebec Region
Media.GEN-QUE@CSC-SCC.GC.CA
450-972-7660

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