Ion Scanners in Place at Provincial Correctional Facilities

Another layer of security to keep drugs out of Nova Scotia's correctional facilities came into effect today, Oct. 21.

Ion scanners detect trace amounts of drugs and explosives.

"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.

There are four ion scanners 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 one at the Southwest Nova Facility in Yarmouth.

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