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The drone problem at B.C. prisons has reached alarming levels, as reported by the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO).
“We’ve seen and caught up to 30 drones in one week,” John Randle, regional president of the Pacific Region, told Castanet.
Only half of the deliveries that had arrived across all institutions in the region were intercepted, Randle mentioned. Contraband items delivered by the drones include weapons, drugs, and cell phones, posing a serious threat.
Inmates are utilizing cell phones to receive airdropped contraband right outside their window, creating a dangerous situation within the prisons. The increase in drone sightings, ranging from five to 30 per week, is a major concern,” Randle added.
Randle highlighted the severity of the situation, explaining that various weapons like knives and brass knuckles are being dropped into the prisons, causing an imminent risk.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is exploring the feasibility of using drone-jamming technology to combat this issue. Additionally, new security measures, including dog detection and drone scanners, are being implemented in some institutions to intercept drones.
The rise in violence due to the presence of contraband has sparked protests, with UCCO advocating for better support and improved working conditions for correctional officers.
National Post, with additional reporting from The Canadian Press
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