Staff seize meth, phones and paraphernalia worth $143,510 at Drumheller prison

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Brook Wagner
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Staff at Drumheller Institution seized methamphetamine and other unauthorized items worth roughly $143,510 during a pair of searches, the Correctional Service of Canada says.

The contraband turned up in two searches, one on Aug. 19 and another on Aug. 26, according to the agency.

Along with the drugs, the items seized also includes cigarettes, nicotine patches, cellphones and chargers, SIM cards and SD cards, the agency said in a news release.

The packages were discovered thanks to the “vigilance of staff members,” CSC said.

Police were notified of the finds, and the institution has since launched an investigation.

To keep drugs out of its facilities, CSC relies on ion scanners and drug-sniffing dogs to search buildings, property, inmates and visitors. The agency said it is tightening its measures to keep contraband out and to protect its staff, inmates and visitors.

It also operates an anonymous tip line, 1-866-780-3784, where people can report drug use or trafficking at federal prisons.

This marks the latest in a string of major contraband seizures at the Drumheller Institution this year. Previous busts include $208,050 worth of THC butter on Aug. 1 and $944,860 in methamphetamine and illicit goods July 8, bringing the total estimated value of contraband seized in just three incidents to more than $1,296,420.

Drumheller Institution is a medium security prison for men with a minimum security annex, located off Highway 9 about 132 kilometres east of Calgary or 250 km northwest of Medicine Hat.