A prisoner at Canada’s most secure prison allegedly received a McDonald’s meal and alcohol via a drone delivery, causing concern among correctional officers. The inmate in the special handling unit at the Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Que., facility reportedly received chicken nuggets, fries, sauce, and alcohol through the cell window around 3 a.m. on Thursday, according to the union representing correctional officers.
Mike Bolduc, the regional president of the UCCO-SACC-CSN union, expressed unease over the incident, highlighting the escalating issue of contraband entering the maximum security prison, including items like cellphones and knives being smuggled in by drones. The union fears that such breaches could lead to more serious security threats, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The special handling unit at the facility houses dangerous and high-risk offenders, including notorious criminals like Clifford Olson and Allan Legere, as well as convicted terrorists. Bolduc emphasized the irony of a supposedly secure jail allowing such deliveries, calling for urgent measures to address the security lapses.
Drones have become a growing challenge for Canada’s prison system, with Correctional Service Canada deploying technology to detect unmanned aerial vehicles. However, Bolduc expressed concern that the radar failed to identify the drone in this instance, suggesting inmates may exploit vulnerabilities to bypass detection.
The union advocates for a simpler solution of installing physical netting to prevent drone deliveries, emphasizing the urgency of implementing such measures. Bolduc urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to take immediate action, especially in light of budget cuts affecting correctional operations.
Conservative MP Frank Caputo criticized the government’s response to the drone issue, questioning the effectiveness of current security measures. CSC stated that the incident is under review but refrained from providing further details for security reasons, emphasizing their commitment to combating contraband through various security measures and collaborations.
The incident has sparked calls for stronger security protocols in Canadian prisons to prevent similar breaches in the future.
