Four packages of items that included crystal meth, THC butter and cellphones were seized by staff at Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford on Thursday, Nov. 5, according to a press release.
The release states that the estimated institutional value of the seizure is $157,300.
The press release also states that in a separate incident on the same day, an inmate was assaulted and taken to an outside hospital for treatment. The police were notified, and the institution is investigating.
No further details have been released.
As a result of these incidents, a lockdown has been put in place to enable correctional officers to conduct a search. Visits have been suspended until the search is complete.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) says it 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 says it is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions, the press release states.
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. The toll-free number is 1-866-780-3784.
