Three inmates have been arrested and charged, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Saskatchewan Penitentiary near Prince Albert is surrounded by high fences and watchtowers. Prison safety measures include ion scanners and drug-detecting dogs — a daunting obstacle for anyone looking to smuggle contraband.
That doesn’t stop people from using increasingly high-tech tools to get things inside.
In September, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff at the prison noticed something unusual: a drone was flying toward the prison, towing a package on a rope. The package was then “intercepted” by an inmate, police said in a news release this week.
Prison staff found and seized about 83 grams of methamphetamine, some tobacco and a “small amount” of cannabis concentrate, as well as some cell phones and chargers.
The CSC says the “total estimated institutional value” of the contraband was over $350,000.
RCMP say three inmates are facing new charges regarding the drug delivery by drone.
Two men are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking meth, and one is charged with trafficking meth.
All three remain in custody.
RCMP said the investigation is still in progress, and anyone with information should report it to their local police. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or saskcrimestoppers.com.
The CSC said it’s “heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions” and has set up a telephone tip line at 1-866-780-3784 where people can anonymously report any information about security at federal prisons.
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