Drug crackdown could lead to violent prison uprisings: union

The union representing Canadian prison guards is worried that a crackdown on drug smuggling in prisons could lead to more violent incidents like a day-long standoff at a maximum security prison near Kingston last week.

"We have to be prepared for a rocky road in the coming months," said Jason Godin, Ontario regional president for the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, after more than 100 inmates at the Millhaven Institution allegedly smashed water pipes, burned items in the yard, and refused to return to their cells following a recreation period last Tuesday night.

Correctional staff fired shots and used tear gas during the standoff, which resulted in a lockdown of more than two days.

In a news release, the Correctional Service of Canada, called the incident minor.

But Godin said it was serious and was triggered by a system-wide crackdown on drug smuggling, which is expected to bring "airport-style security" to the entrances of prisons in coming months.

"We're all in favour of it, but there's got to be some things come in place before we get to that goal," he said. "We want to explore new technology. We want more money spent on gathering intelligence and certainly additional staff."

Bob Hurtubise, assistant warden at Millhaven, said he believes inmates were protesting the proposed new measures.

The Correctional Service of Canada is thinking about bringing in a second drug dog and dog handler at Millhaven, he said.

However, the department would not comment about any details of the strategy or the union's concerns.