SCANNERS TO KEEP DRUGS OUT OF JAILS INSTALLED, INCLUDING IN YARMOUTH

Another layer of security to keep drugs out of Nova Scotia's
correctional facilities came into effect on Oct. 21 at four
facilities across the province, including the Southwest Nova Scotia
Correctional Facility in Yarmouth.

The Ion scanners detect trace amounts of drugs and explosives.

Four of the scanners have been placed according to need throughout
the province. Two are at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional
Facility in Burnside, one at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility in
Sydney, and the other is in Yarmouth.

"Drugs are a problem in our province's facilities, as they are in any
correctional facility," said Department of Justice Minister Ross
Landry. "The province continues to look at ways to improve training
and equipment to alleviate this issue, and the new ion scanners are
just one more thing we are doing to make our facilities as safe as possible."

For example, if someone has handled drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine,
heroin, amphetamines or marijuana, the sophisticated piece of
equipment will detect trace amounts on their hands. The scanners will
help intercept drugs that could enter the facilities.

Correctional facility staff have been trained to use the scanners,
which are also used in many airports and correctional facilities
throughout the country.