Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / Mountain Institution, a medium-security prison located west of Agassiz, has instituted an immediate lockdown in order to conduct what it calls an "exceptional search."

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Mountain Institution

Lockdown in place at Mountain Institution prison in Agassiz

Jul 23, 2022 | 5:59 AM

AGASSIZ — Late Friday night (Jul. 22), correctional staff instituted an immediate lockdown at Mountain Institution, a medium-security federal prison, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.

The Correctional Service of Canada announced the search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the prison, its staff and inmates.

Normal operations will resume as soon as staff deem it safe to do so. Visits are suspended until the search is completed, though private family visits have not been affected.

CSC says it is committed to preventing the entry of contraband into its institutions. It also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.