BOWDEN - A huge cache of street drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, has been seized by Bowden Institution staff.
A news release issued by Correctional Service Canada on March 12 said "vigilance" by staff members led to the March 11 seizure of packages that contained $384,000 worth of contraband near the institution's minimum security unit .
"The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone," said the release. "CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions."
The release added prison officials also seized “shatter” (THC concentrate), and two cellphones.
However, the "vast majority" of the value of the contraband was crystal methamphetamine, said Nancy Shore, assistant deputy warden at Bowden Institution.
Shore added she could not get into specifics on where the contraband was discovered, only that the drugs were "found on the property...close to the minimum security unit."
She said Innisfail RCMP with the assistance of prison officials are continuing their investigation of the seizure.
"We assist with the police investigation and if we do have information come in we will share that information with them," said Shore, adding the prison also conducts its own internal review, which includes interviews with inmates in an attempt to determine where the street drugs came from and "who they were destined for."
Shore said to date no arrests have been made and the prison has not ordered a lockdown.
