The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has seized a significant quantity of contraband in the first week of April. It is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.

• Between April 2 and 5, 2021, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Regional Reception Centre, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Québec, a federal multi-level security institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included 46.8 grams of marijuana, 200.3 grams of hashish, 27.5 grams of cannabis wax, 1496.8 grams of tobacco, three cellphones with four cables and 21 SIM cards. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $68,746.

• Between April 5-6, 2021, unauthorized items were seized on the perimeter of Beaver Creek Institution, a multi-level security facility. The items seized included tobacco and cell phones. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $28,000.

• During the past few days, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Cowansville Institution, a federal medium-security facility. On April 3, 2021, the contraband and unauthorized items seized included 130 grams of hashish, 26.5 grams of marijuana, 299.7 grams of tobacco and two cell phones with cables. In total, the institutional value of the seized items is estimated at $22,445. On April 4, 2021, the contraband and unauthorized items seized included 254.6 grams of hashish, one cell phone with cable and various pharmaceuticals. In total, the institutional value of the seized items is estimated at $47,260. The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

• On April 6, 2021, unauthorized items were seized at Joyceville Institution, a multi-level security facility.  The items seized were a large quantity of tobacco. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $10,000. 

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 and unauthorized 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.