Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Dorchester Penitentiary – Medium security unit

FILE: Dorchester Penitentiary in New Brunswick Canada. Opened in 1880 as a maximum security prison, it now functions as a medium security facility. The central block is the original building; the wings are newer. (Photo By Verne Equinox at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0)

October 29, 2019 – Dorchester, New Brunswick – Correctional Service Canada

On October 26, 2019 , as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized within the medium-security sector at Dorchester Penitentiary.

The items seized included 150 nicotine patches, 51.28 grams of hashish and eight clonazepam pills. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $43,000.

The medium security unit of Dorchester Penitentiary was placed on lockdown to allow staff to conduct an exceptional search. The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates.

Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.

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 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.