Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / Another assault was reported at Kent Institution this week, which reflects a pattern of assaults throughout 2022.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Kent Institution

Inmates assaulted at Kent Institution, treated and released from hospital

Jul 23, 2022 | 5:39 AM

AGASSIZ — There’s never a dull moment at Kent Institution, where contraband seizures or assaults seem par for the course.

Two inmates of the maximum-security institution, located northwest of Agassiz, were assaulted on July 13. After receiving an evaluation from correctional staff members, the injured inmates were transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

Both inmates have since returned to the institution. The assailants have been identified and the appropriate actions have been taken. The Agassiz detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and correctional staff are investigating the incident.

The assaults reflect an eventful 2022 at Kent.

Earlier this month, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items with an estimated value of nearly $54,000 was seized on July 6. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included methamphetamine and other drugs, drug paraphernalia, two cell phones, and telecommunication-related items. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $53,900.

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Additionally, in a search conducted on July 7, two cell phones and methamphetamine were seized. The estimated institutional value of this seizure was $7,000.

In June, prison staff intercepted a significant amount of illicit substances. Kent personnel confiscated 36.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.5 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 42 nicotine patches, and four grams of opiates on June 6 and 9. The contraband seizures were valued at $25,540.

Previous to that, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced on June 9 that an inmate was injured after an assault occurred on June 6. Staff responded quickly to resolve the physical altercation.

No correctional staff members or other inmates were injured in the assault, which was investigated by the RCMP detachment in Agassiz and Kent Institution staff. The injured inmate was evaluated by staff and transported to an unnamed hospital to receive treatment.

On May 3, another inmate was assaulted and transported to hospital to receive medical treatment.

Prior to that, the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP detachment investigated two stabbings that occurred at Kent, one in April and another in February.

During the attack on April 27, a prisoner was stabbed a reported 40 times by other inmates and taken from Kent by air ambulance. A similar incident occurred on February 5 in which a prisoner was stabbed by another inmate several times and transported by air ambulance to hospital.