In a recent Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) report, the suspected drone drops for the Canadian prison Collins Bay Institution from 2018 to 2022, reached almost 250, a signal that a “drone pandemic” is infecting Canadian prisons.

The suspected drone drops at Collins Bay Institution were 10, in 2018, steadily increasing yearly to 99 in 2022, according to the CBC report. The CBC obtained the statistics from Correctional Services Canada (CSC) through access-to-information (ATIP) laws.

Chris Bucholtz, the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, Ontario regional president, believes that the numbers provided by CSC underreport the issue.

Using drones to introduce contraband into prisons is an easy method to overcome the gates, guards, walls, and barbed wire that typically protect a prison. The payloads transported via drones encompass a range of items, including cellphones, drugs, and ceramic knives known for their ability to penetrate protective vests. The value of some drops can exceed $100,000 says the report.

According to the union, drones pose a significant issue at the Donnacona Institution near Quebec City, as it remains the sole site where the installation and testing of drone-detecting technology are taking place. This is in contrast to the Canadian Correctional Service’s (CSC) commitment of investing $6 million to implement radar systems in six facilities, including Collins Bay, by March 2022.

See also- Contraband and Drones in Correctional Facilities

CSC declined an interview and, in its statement to CBC, did not provide direct answers regarding the frequency of drone incidents at Collins Bay or the progress of its drone-detection technology installation plan.

The CSC has affirmed that it has implemented “counter-drone measures” at numerous institutions. However, CSC declined to disclose specific details regarding the locations or nature of these measures, citing concerns related to safety and security.

CSC stated that it is actively collaborating with vendors to explore solutions for detecting drones within its airspace.

For more prison-related Counter-UAS resources, visit:

Agent Based Modeling for Low-cost Counter-UAS Protocol in Prisons

Failed Prison Drone Deliver Leads to Arrests

Post Image- Aerial View of Collins Bay Institution (Image Credit: Google)