Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / The lockdown and exceptional search at Mountain Institution have ended, resulting in the seizure of contraband and unauthorized items.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Mountain Institution

Lockdown ends at Mountain Institution prison, contraband seized

Jul 27, 2022 | 9:26 AM

AGASSIZ — A lockdown procedure that required an exceptional search at Mountain Institution over the weekend has ended, resulting in the seizure of contraband and other items.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) said on Friday (Jul. 22) that it implemented the lockdown to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. Normal operations, including visits, were suspended until a resumption of routine operations was considered safe. However, private family visits were not impacted by the exceptional search and lockdown.

As a result of the lockdown and exceptional search, a number of unauthorized items and contraband were found during the exceptional search, CSC said in a statement. The federal agency did not disclose what unauthorized items and contraband were uncovered at the medium-security prison west of Agassiz.

CSC is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.