$1.68M worth of drugs, other contraband seized at Sask. Penitentiary in 2024
Meth, cannabis, stabbing weapons, cellphones seized at Prince Albert prison, Corrections Canada says
The Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert seized $1.68 million worth of drugs and other contraband in 2024, according to Corrections Canada.
The contraband includes methamphetamine, cannabis, stabbing weapons, cellphones and chargers, the federal agency says.
In news releases posted throughout 2024, Corrections Canada said it uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering Saskatchewan Penitentiary, like ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.
The correctional service has provided few details on how the $1.68 million in contraband was brought into the federal prison. However, one incident that resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs in the fall of 2024 was particularly creative.
In a Dec. 5 news release, Saskatchewan RCMP said they were alerted by Corrections Canada that an investigation determined a drone approached the penitentiary towing a package on a rope. The package was intercepted by an inmate.
Correctional staff saw the whole thing happen.
Staff found and seized approximately 83 grams of meth, a small amount of cannabis concentrate and tobacco, along with cellphones and chargers, within the penitentiary, RCMP said.
Three inmates were arrested and charged in connection with the drone incident.
Big-dollar drug seizures aren't limited to Saskatchewan prisons. A number of Prairie penitentiaries reported similar numbers in 2024, such as Stony Mountain Institution in Manitoba.