On December 22, 2019, at about 9:50 p.m., a lockdown was put in place at Matsqui institution, a medium-security federal institution located in Abbotsford, British Columbia and few days prior at the medium-security unit at Beaver Creek Institution in Gravenhurst, Ontario.
A number of unauthorized items and contraband were found during the high-risk search including stabbing weapons, small quantities of drugs, and some tattoo paraphernalia.
During the lockdown, all visits have been suspended until all illegal contraband and weapons are removed from the inmate’s cells.
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.