DRUG RUNNING AT JAIL NETS TWO SUSPECTS

A convicted thief serving a part-time jail term is one of two men
suspected of trying to smuggle drugs in a pair of women's nylons into
the Rideau Correctional and Treatment Centre.

It's at least the third time in six months local police have been
called in for cases of narcotics at area jails.

The regional police drug unit received a tip Tuesday that two men were
going to make a drug delivery to the minimum security jail in Burritts
Rapids, said regional drug squad Sgt. Larry Colotelo.

Undercover officers located their suspects in Ottawa, followed them to
Kemptville and then to Burritts Rapids, Colotelo said.

When officers approached the pair outside the jail on Block County
Rd., which runs along the jail's property, a black pair of nylons was
discarded.

Police also found a pair of leggings at the side of the road. They
were filled with 123 grams of marijuana and 23 grams of hashish with
an estimated street value of $2,400, Colotelo said.

Charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking
are Joseph Chartier, 19, of Ottawa, and Robert Fling, 24, of Gloucester.

In September, Fling was convicted of possession of stolen property
under $5,000 and was ordered to serve his jail time on weekends until
December.

He is also awaiting trial on other offences.

The nylons contained five packages of marijuana, while another stash
was in a beige-coloured balloon and the remaining drugs were in two
lubricated condoms.

Police and jail officials said dealers supplying inmates with
narcotics often get the stash inside the jail by literally throwing it
over the fence.

Jim Empey, Rideau Correctional facility Deputy of Administration, said
security measures will not be enhanced because everything possible is
already being done to crack down on drug use inside jails.

"There are drugs (in the facility) but you can't get away from that,"
said Empey, adding drugs are an ongoing concern and searches are
routinely conducted.

Meanwhile, Colotelo said drug unit officers have been involved in two
cases over the last six months at the Regional Detention Centre on
Innes Rd.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry