Federal corrections officials are touting a recent seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at a women’s prison in Abbotsford, B.C. Correctional Service Canada says the items were discovered in packages at the Fraser Valley Institution thanks to “the vigilance of staff members” on Sept. 24. The seized contraband included methamphetamine, tobacco and vaping devices. Officials estimate the institutional value of the seized items was $75,000. Local police were notified and the prison is investigating, CSC said. “CSC uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors,” officials wrote in a statement Thursday. “CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.” The Fraser Valley Institution is located on the same federal reserve land as the Matsqui and Pacific institutions, and includes minimum, medium and maximum security facilities for female inmates.
