CSC seize over $50k of contraband at Collins Bay Institution

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has seized contraband and prohibited items at Collins Bay Institution, believed to have ended up on the federal prison property as the result of drone drops.

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, CSC announced that employees at Collins Bay Institution had located and seized the unauthorized items “as a result of the vigilance of staff members.” According to the national correctional services agency, items confiscated at the medium-security institution included:

• Tobacco
• Cannabis
• Cellphones
• Cellphone accessories

The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $51,600, CSC said, noting that the organization uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institution, including ion scanners and detector dogs which search “buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.”

This is the second announcement of contraband and unauthorized items being seized at the institution so far this year.

“CSC has heightened measures to prevent contraband and unauthorized items from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone,” the national correctional authority said, adding that it works “in partnership with police to take action against those who attempt to introduce” such items at federal prisons.

“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 organization continued.

“The toll-free number, 1-866-780-3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.”