Image: Modfos / Dreamstime / A photo of the Matsqui Institution, a federal medium-security prison facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

By Don Mitchell

Matsqui Institution

Authorities begin probe after $73K in contraband, unauthorized items seized at Abbotsford prison

Oct 4, 2024 | 1:31 PM

ABBOTSFORD – Officials at the Matsqui Institution say an investigation is underway to ascertain how approximately $73,000 worth of contraband and unauthorized items made it into the medium-security facility.

Operators of the correctional outlet revealed that crystal meth, tobacco, a pair of cell phones and chargers, four USB keys, and a SIM card were among the items confiscated on Oct. 1.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) disclosed that the seizures were the result of “vigilance of staff members.”

CSC facilities typically prevent drugs from entering institutions using ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and their visitors.

“CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone,” the federal agency said in a statement.

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“CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.”

Matsqui is a standalone facility which houses roughly 450 inmates at any given time.