PROTESTS ROCK PRISON

Inmates at the Matsqui federal prison caused havoc and set fires in
protest Friday after correction officers accused them of using
children to smuggle drugs.

The prison was completely locked down Friday night and Saturday after
the episode, which saw inmates refuse to go back to their cells and
set three fires in the institution's exercise yard.

According to Corrections Canada, about 170 inmates protested reduced
recreational access and voiced their displeasure over recent media
reports.

On Thursday, the Union of Canadian Correction Officers' told media
that a Matsqui officer was almost punished for contacting the B.C.
Ministry of Child and Family Development when he found drugs hidden in
a toddler's clothing.

Union president Gord Robertson said the influx of drugs into prisons
was a huge problem and demanded policy changes to allow guards to
search infants without worrying about privacy breaches.