Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Collins Bay Institution

FILE: Collins Bay Institution (medium-security prison) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Photo By P199/Wikimedia commons)

On May 16, 2020, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, two packages containing contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Collins Bay Institution. One package was found outside the perimeter of the institution and one package was found inside the perimeter of the maximum-security unit.

The items seized in the packages included 448.4 grams of tobacco, 661.8 grams of marijuana, 71.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 34.6 grams of shatter, 29.9 grams of heroin, various pills, vape pens, ceramic blades, phones and accessories. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $191,794.00.

The Ontario Provincial Police led Joint Forces Penitentiary Squad have been notified and the institution is investigating.

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

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.