Correctional service says it’s tackling ‘evolving threat’ posed by drone smugglers

The Correctional Service of Canada says it’s taking multiple steps to combat the “evolving threat” of drones dropping contraband into prisons, after B.C. guards held a rally to call attention to violence that they say is fuelled by the smuggling.

The correctional service says in a statement it’s using a “layered approach” to respond to the drone drops by procuring drone detection equipment and piloting a program using cellphone detection technology.

It says it’s also using body scanners, dogs trained to find electronic devices, and “infrastructure enhancements” at prison facilities.

Corrections officials say they’re confident that the measures coupled with efforts of front line prison staff will help curb contraband smuggled into prisons.

The correctional service says it lacks “legal authority” to use drone jamming technology, but is exploring both the “legal processes and feasibility” of eventually using the tech.

The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers held a protest today in Abbotsford, B.C., to highlight what it says is a wave of violence driven by drone drops of drugs and weapons.

John Randle, a regional president with the union, said a variety of anti-drone technology is “readily available,” but has yet to make it into the country’s prisons, where drones dropping contraband have contributed to the deteriorating situation “almost on a daily basis.”