By akademiotoelektronik, 05/01/2023

Drone deliveries to prisons | The Press

The threat of prison drones continues to hover over the heads of prison guards. Two events involving drones that occurred this weekend are worrying the president of the Syndicat des agents de la paix en services correctionnels du Québec (SAPSCQ-CSN), who denounces the inaction of the Ministry of Public Security.

Published on June 15, 2021Mayssa Ferah La Presse

A first incident involving a drone took place in Bordeaux prison on the evening of June 12, according to our information. On the spot, the security agents observed that an incarcerated person was pulling on a rope through the window of his cell. However, they found no suspicious items during their inspection. An inmate then allegedly threw several glued wooden tools, with several forks attached to the tip. They then notified the manager of a possible drone delivery.

A package had been located in the area four days earlier, still according to our information. During the search of an inmate, they found a cell phone.

The second event happened the next day. On the night of June 13, agents present at the Bordeaux prison reported the presence of a suspicious package, while three drones flew over the building. In accordance with the instructions of their union, they called a superior to pick up the package, the contents of which were not visible.

"What worries in these events is the number of drones used simultaneously to create a diversion and the delivery directly to the windows of the cells", explains the president of the Syndicat des agents de la paix en services correctionnels du Quebec (SAPSCQ-CSN) Mathieu Lavoie.

In addition to detection tools, Mr. Lavoie is calling for a clear procedure for picking up drones and packages safely. “Agents can be exposed to volatile products that represent a risk. »

Prisoners died of laughter

“While we lacked the means to counter [the phenomenon], the inmates died of laughter,” explains Mr. Lavoie.

The problem of drones is not new. Mr. Lavoie deplores the infinite slowness of the government bureaucracy in managing the process. “We are still waiting for more advanced equipment. We are always told by the ministry that they are “finishing the calls for tenders””

The use of drones to deliver tools, smart cell phones and especially illicit substances to defendants and detainees is a lucrative field. “Illicit substances in prison are worth four to five times more than outside. [The networks] are ready to lose a state-of-the-art drone worth $10,000 because the contents of the package are worth more than that. »

We can never eradicate the phenomenon, however, notes the president of the union. This can be reduced with equipment with a good detection range and protective equipment for the employees called upon to handle the packages.

With Daniel Renaud, La Presse