![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Almost 80% of offenders arrive at an institution with a substance abuse problem. Also, more than half were intoxicated when they committed the crime for which they are serving time. |
Drug abuse interferes with rehabilitation and contributes to criminal behaviour. While incarcerated, inmates are provided with programs designed to reduce the risk of re-offending. Inmates who continue to use drugs or participate in drug-related activities don't always fully participate in their programs. This can affect their behaviour when they get out.
In addition, drug abuse by inmates can affect everyone's health. Practices such as sharing needles and using glass tubes to inhale drugs can increase the risk of being exposed to and spreading infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Once released, inmates could spread these serious diseases to their loved ones and to the public.
Drugs become very valuable inside facilities - sometimes increasing to more than five times their street value. Drugs become a source of power, criminal influence and are used as currency. Many incidents of violence can be attributed to drug trade activities. Inmates have been assaulted by other inmates because of drugs and personal belongings that can be traded for drugs. These activities could result in inmates being placed in segregation for their own protection or for disciplinary reasons.
Our drug strategy aims to reduce:
Supply of drugs: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques including metal detectors, ion scanners and detector dogs to identify individuals who attempt to smuggle in drugs. Anyone caught trying to smuggle in drugs could be charged by local police and, if convicted, face a jail term or a heavy fine. Smuggling can result in a suspension or restriction of visiting status and may delay the release of the inmate involved.
We also regularly search cells, buildings, grounds and inmates. We have a program in place where we randomly select inmates to provide urine samples for drug testing. Inmates who have drugs in their possession or who are intoxicated can be charged with new offences, transferred to a higher security prison and can lose some of their privileges. Their chances for parole can also be affected.
Demand for drugs: We offer a range of effective substance abuse programs to help inmates deal with their addictions. We have specialized units for inmates dedicated to a drug-free lifestyle and methadone maintenance treatment for inmates addicted to heroin.
We also assist offenders to lead drug-free lifestyles when they return to the community on conditional release.
You can encourage the person you visit to take programs that help them eliminate their use of drugs and protect their health. For information on the programs available in your area, please contact the institution or parole office supervising the person you visit. For more information, visit our Website.
Correctional facilities are like small communities. People are constantly entering, leaving and moving within an institution. On any given day, approximately 5,300 people (not including staff) enter and leave CSC facilities.
Drugs coming into institutions have a devastating effect on the correctional environment. They interfere with rehabilitation and contribute to criminal behaviour.
![]() |
![]() | |
![]() |
Last Updated:
2007.07.18
|