$86,000 worth of contraband seized from New Brunswick prison

The Atlantic Institution in Renous, N.B., is seen in this file photo.

Correctional officers have seized contraband and unauthorized items worth more than $80,000 from a maximum-security prison in Renous, N.B.

The Correctional Service Canada (CSC) says the seizure at the Atlantic Institution happened on Sunday.

Staff members reportedly seized tobacco, marijuana, rolling papers, knives, “handmade stabbing weapons,” as well as cellphones and accessories.

The CSC says the total estimated institutional value of the seizures is $86,700.

It confirmed to CTV News that a drone was used to drop the contraband items into the facility.

“The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions,” said the CSC in a news release. “These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.”

This is the second significant seizure at the Atlantic Institution in a little over a month.

The CSC previously said more than $408,345 worth of contraband and unauthorized items – including cannabis concentrate, marijuana, methamphetamine, hashish, tobacco and cellphones and accessories – were seized from the facility on Dec. 4, 2025.

The CSC has set up a telephone tip line – 1-866-780-3784 – for anyone who wants to report activities related to security, such as drug use or trafficking, at its institutions.

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