A lockdown has been put in place at Springhill Institution, a medium-security federal institution in Nova Scotia, as staff conduct a thorough search for contraband items.
The lockdown began at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, and officials say normal operations will not resume until it is considered safe to do so.
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Assistant deputy warden Shannon Oickle tells Global News the search was prompted by intelligence but did not specify where that information came from. Oickle adds they are looking for contraband, which could include weapons and drugs.
According to Correctional Service Canada, the search was ordered to ensure the safety of the institution, the staff and inmates.
Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.