By Thia James

Sask. Pen searches turning up weapons, drugs

Mar 4, 2014 | 3:16 PM

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) workers have seized a rising number of knives in searches in the maximum security unit of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, according to the CSC.

Staff at the prison has seized knives and box cutters/razor blade in the medium and maximum security units. In 2012 alone, 58 knives were seized in the maximum security units, rising from eight found in 2008, to 29 in 2009, 45 in 2010, and then 56 in 2011.

In medium security, the numbers have been steady: 23 knives seized in 2008, 38 in 2009, 26 in 2010, 35 in 2011 and 43 in 2012.

Searches by prison staff have also led to the seizure of other contraband, mainly alcohol. In 2012, there were 63 alcohol-related seizures in maximum security, and 33 in medium security. In 2012, there were 13 tobacco seizures in the medium security unit.

“Through CSC’s diligent work, more and more contraband items are being seized which in turn ensures the safety and security of CSC staff and inmates,” Jeff Campbell, the CSC’s regional communication manager said in an email to paNOW.

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He said that searches of common areas and individual cells are just one of the tools used to seize contraband, drugs and weapons. All visitors to medium and maximum security units are also subject to a “non-intrusive” search every single time they enter and leave the penitentiary.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames