The Ford government is taking extra steps to prevent contraband from the province’s jails.
New Ion scanners are to be installed in ten facilities, including those in Kenora, Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
The units can detect and identify trace elements of drugs.
Officials say a pilot project at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre in 2018 was successful, identifying contraband drugs like fentanyl.
“Detecting and preventing the entry of contraband is critical to keeping Ontario’s correctional facilities safe,” says Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Our government is committed to equipping our corrections staff with the modern tools and technology they need to do their job safely and ensure continued security.”
Staff training is now underway.
The province hopes to have the scanners operational by this summer.
