Pubdate: Thu, 25 May 2000
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  333 King St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5A 3X5 Canada
Fax: (416) 947-3228
Website: http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoSun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/newsgroups.html
Comment: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk
Author: Jonathan Jenkins

ARREST MADE IN T.O. JAIL DRUG RING

Hidden In Cigarettes

Jail guards say a canteen worker has been busted for secreting drugs inside 
packs of cigarettes meant for Toronto-area inmates and then resealing the 
packages.

"It's actually much easier than getting drugs on the street," said Barry 
Scanlon, spokesman for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "You can 
get them delivered right to your cell."

Scanlon said a man was arrested Sunday and charged with smuggling drugs 
into Toronto East Detention Centre in Scarborough.

Police could not immediately confirm any details, although a spokesman for 
Correctional Services said an arrest had been made.

PERSONALIZED ORDERS

Correctional Services Minister Rob Sampson -- who declined to comment on 
any specifics as the case is before the courts -- said if drugs were found 
they would take the necessary steps to eradicate the problem.

Scanlon said it's alleged a worker with an American firm contracted to 
provide canteen services to Ontario's correctional facilities was slipping 
the drugs into personalized orders inmates make for items such as 
cigarettes, snacks and toiletries.

The cigarette packs were being opened, drugs inserted and then the packages 
resealed to appear as if they'd never been opened, Scanlon said.

OPSEU has called a press conference for today on the issue because of the 
dangers drugged-up inmates represent to jail guards.
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