Prison inmate found dead

The Correctional Service of Canada is reviewing the death of an inmate who was serving time at a maximumsecurity prison in Edmonton.

Officials said Jason Croft, who was 38, was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday at the Edmonton Institution.

He was later pronounced dead at Fort Saskatchewan Hospital. The correctional service said police and the medical examiner have also been notified.

Croft, a longtime Edmonton drug dealer, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in January 2015 after being convicted of conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in methamphetamine, two counts of possessing a firearm for the purpose of transferring it, and possession of firearms while prohibited.

He was also involved in the possession and sale of handguns, including a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver and 9mm pistol. He had a significant prior record, including 13 convictions for drug offences for which he was handed multiyear terms of imprisonment.

In July 2010, Croft was busted by police while he was spotted in a cab near the scene of a hit-and-run collision between a van and a car. Police seized $60,000 to $80,000 worth of cocaine, two cellphones and two ounces of meth from Croft’s backpack. He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and breach of recognizance.

In August 2010, he was busted for conspiring with two other men to traffic meth from B.C. to Edmonton; police thwarted the attempt and seized the drugs in Edson, Alta.

In the same month, Croft was involved in a deal to sell a handgun to a person for $200 and an ounce of meth. While on the way to do the deal, Croft was stopped by police and a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver with a holster was found.

A search warrant at Croft’s home resulted in the seizure of a Smith& Wesson 9mm pistol.