ON the evening of July 5, Agassiz RCMP received a report from Corrections Service Canada (CSC) of a person’s unusual activity near the Kent Institution in the 4700-block of Cemetery Road.

RCMP frontline officers supported by the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Section (IPDS) quickly cordoned off the area and combed a field for the person. As police service dog Lucy searched for the suspect, a 25-year-old man from Surrey was located hiding in the grass and taken into custody. He was later released from custody.

A backpack linked to the suspect containing methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco, SIM cards and items consistent with the smuggling of contraband into the institution was located during a security search of the field by CSC detector dog Gustave the following day.

Following a thorough review of evidence gathered, all circumstances of the investigation are to be forwarded in a report by the RCMP to the BC Prosecution Service for their assessment of criminal charges.

“The Correction Service of Canada is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone,” says Ish Singh, A/Assistant Warden, Management Services, CSC. “This seizure is a result of the close partnership we have with the Agassiz RCMP and the vigilance of our staff, which allowed us to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into our institution.”

“This is another example of the Agassiz RCMP working in conjunction with our Correctional Service partners to keep contraband and illicit drugs out of the correctional intuitions,” says Sgt. Mike Sargent.