PRINCE ALBERT – A significant quantity of drugs was intercepted at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary over the weekend, preventing $326,725 in contraband from entering the prison.
The seizure was on Aug. 16, after alert staff members at the multi-level security federal institution detected packages containing contraband. The contraband items seized include heroin, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, THC and unidentified pills.
Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) confirmed that police have been notified and the institution is investigating.
In a statement, CSC said they use 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 say they are 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 also 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.