Lockdown and search at Matsqui Institution

News release

November 6, 2020 – Abbotsford, British Columbia – Correctional Service Canada

On November 5, 2020, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, four packages containing contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included crystal methamphetamine, THC butter, and cell phones. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $157,300.

In a separate incident on the same day, an inmate was also found to have been the victim of an assault. The injured inmate was transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment. The police have been notified about the incident and the institution is investigating.

A lockdown has been put in place to enable Correctional Officers 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 when it is considered safe to do so. Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.

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 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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Contacts

Kim MacPherson
Acting Assistant Warden Management Services
Matsqui Institution
604-850-8205

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