Drone drop worth nearly $48,000 intercepted outside Hull jail

Tashi Farmilo

A drone-delivered package of tobacco, narcotics and cell phones valued at $47,850 was recovered by correctional staff outside the Hull detention facility in Gatineau on August 18, one of eight major seizures worth a combined $581,650 that Quebec made in August as it cracks down on smuggling into its jails.

In response to the Aylmer Bulletin, Quebec’s Ministry of Internal Security confirmed the parcel was retrieved before it made it past the walls. Phone accessories were also inside, though no quantities were given, nor which drugs were involved. Police, who handle any criminal investigation, have been notified. There was no word on arrests or charges.

The department says its correctional services are gaining ground. Hull’s was the smallest haul of the month,with Trois-Rivières leading at $172,850 from two finds, followed by Montreal at $101,500.

Most major catches come from quickly retrieving airborne deliveries before they get inside, though contraband also turns up during rounds, yard inspections, admission searches of inmates and searches of premises. Officials credit the skill of staff, along with teamwork, equipment and technology.

Other measures include secured yards and windows, the gradual rollout of more advanced drone detectors, airspace regulation above detention centres, cell phone detection devices, body scanners and search stations, as well as surveillance, intervention protocols, intelligence analysis and cooperation with police.

Discipline was tightened September 28, when amendments to the regulations under the Quebec Correctional System Act took effect. Correctional officers can now file misconduct reports in a wider range of situations, including those involving items flown in, and disciplinary committees have more room to impose harsher penalties for serious offences such as bringing in a cell phone or damaging infrastructure.