Collins Bay Institution medium security unit on lockdown after seizure of contraband

Staff at Collins Bay Institution seized a package containing a combined 2,819.6 grams of tobacco, marijuana, and crack cocaine inside the medium security unit, resulting in a lockdown of the unit.

The package was seized at approximately 12:15 p.m. “as the result of the vigilance of staff members,” according to a press release from Correctional Service Canada (CSC). The contraband and unauthorized items seized included 2,520 grams of tobacco, 244 grams of marijuana, and 55.6 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a mini cell phone, a phone charge, and drug and tobacco paraphernalia. The total estimated institutional value of the seizure is $85,000, CSC said.

The unit was placed on lockdown to allow staff to conduct a general search in order to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff, and inmates. Visits to the medium security unit have been suspended until the search is completed. Police have been notified and the Institution is investigating.

A complete smoking ban was introduced in all federal correctional institutions in 2008.

CSC has set up a telephone tip line (1?866?780?3784) for all federal institutions to receive 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. Information shared through the tip line is protected and callers remain anonymous.