3 officers hospitalized after fentanyl exposure at B.C. prison, union says
The union says security cuts and weakened discipline are making it harder to intercept drugs as prison officers face rising risks.
- On June 11, five officers at Pacific Institution in Abbotsford, British Columbia, were exposed to toxic fentanyl when a prisoner attempted to destroy evidence by dispersing the substance during a routine search.
- Three of the five officers were rushed to hospital, with one requiring chest compressions, exemplifying an escalating illicit drug crisis within federal prisons across the country.
- Union regional president John Randle argues security cuts and weakened disciplinary measures have reduced drug interception capacity, stating, "The policies that once supported a coherent strategy to combat illicit drugs in our institutions are being dismantled at precisely the wrong time."
- Police and the Union have previously documented creative smuggling attempts, including drones, packages disguised as grass, and a pigeon carrying methamphetamine, demonstrating persistent challenges to prison security.
- Randle emphasized the problem cannot be ignored as officers' lives remain at risk, stating, "Our members were simply doing their jobs when they were exposed to one of the most lethal drugs on the streets. This should never happen.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Toronto Star
Prison officers in B.C. hospitalized after exposure to toxic fentanyl
ABBOTSFORD - The union representing federal prison guards says three of its members were rushed to hospital, including one who needed chest compressions, after being exposed to fentanyl at a
The Hamilton Spectator
Guard in B.C. prison needed chest compressions after fentanyl exposure, says union
ABBOTSFORD - The union representing federal prison guards says three of its members were rushed to hospital, including one who needed chest compressions, after they were exposed to fentanyl at a British Columbia prison.
Prison officers in B.C. hospitalized after exposure to toxic fentanyl – Energeticcity.ca
The Pacific Institution federal penitentiary is seen in Abbotsford, B.C., on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck ABBOTSFORD — The union representing federal prison guards says three of its members were rushed to hospital, including one who needed chest compressions, after being exposed to fentanyl at a British Columbia prison. The union says it’s the latest example of an illicit drug crisis inside federal prisons, while violenc…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
