Seizure of contraband and unauthorized at Cowansville Institution 

August 10, 2021 – Cowansville, Quebec – Correctional Service Canada

On August 9, 2021, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of the medium-security unit at Cowansville Institution.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized included 189.8 grams of hashish, one cellphone and a charger, one SIM card and 219.4 grams of tobacco. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $24,490. 

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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