THE Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) announced this week that on August 24, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Kent Institution, a maximum-security federal institution in Agassiz.

The contraband and unauthorized items seized included smart phones, steroids, needles, handmade weapons, SD card readers, THC, and alcohol brew. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $287,700.

The CSC said it 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.

It said that it 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 CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at the CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at the CSC institutions.

The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.