Staff at the Drumheller Institution have made a major seizure of contraband.

On March 2, 2020, at about 1:00 p.m., as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband was seized on the grounds of the medium security unit at Drumheller Institution.

The contraband seized included crystal methamphetamine, THC concentrate, and two cell phones. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $139,000.                                 

The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

CSC has set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates and staff members working at CSC institutions.

The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health has confirmed the province’s first presumptive case of novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

The individual is a woman in her fifties who lives in the Calgary zone. The case is travel-related and she is recovering in isolation at home with support from public health officials.

“We take this extremely seriously and are doing all we can to minimize risk and to keep Albertans safe. While some may be concerned, I remind Albertans that the risk is still low in our province. We are already taking the necessary precautions to prevent the infection from spreading,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The affected individual had recently returned from travel on board a Grand Princess cruise ship in California. Officials detected the case on March 5.

Health officials are currently identifying close contacts of this individual. They will also be asked to self-isolate at home, away from the public, and will be closely monitored by public health officials. If they do develop symptoms, health officials will coordinate getting them into care immediately while ensuring that the public and health-care workers are not exposed.

“Alberta’s health-care system is ready and already taking swift action. Measures to protect both the public and front-line health-care workers have been in place for weeks. I have full confidence that our front-line health-care workers are ready and able to handle this challenge,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health.

Health officials are asking anyone who has returned from a Grand Princess Cruise to Alberta in the last two weeks to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since their visit.

Since January, Alberta’s public health officials have been working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and other partners to monitor COVID-19 and assess public health risks.

Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services will continue to closely monitor the situation, conduct surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and provide public health and infection control guidance.

The risk is still considered low in Alberta.