Contraband and unauthorized items seized at Collins Bay Institution medium security unit

A package containing unauthorized and contraband items, including over 2,000 grams of tobacco, has been seized at Collins Bay Institution.

The seizure took place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 in the medium security unit of the institution “as a result of the vigilance of staff members,” according to Correctional Service Canada (CSC).

Seized items included cell phones, SIM cards, phone chargers, and 2145.9 grams of tobacco. The estimated institutional value of the seizure is $49,000.

Local police have been notified, and the institution is currently investigating, CSC said in a press release on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.

The seizure comes less than a week after another package was seized in the same unit, which contained mini cell phones and chargers, ceramic blades, rolling papers, and 124.6 grams of marijuana. That seizure occurred just a week after a lockdown and exceptional search ended at both the maximum and medium security units of the institution.

CSC introduced a complete smoking ban in all federal correctional institutions in 2008.

The following is a statement from CSC:

The 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.