Contraband Crackdown at Drumheller Prison: What it Means for Calgary

DRUMHELLER BUST: $150K Contraband Seizure Hits Hard at Nearby Institution

Calgary's surrounding communities are feeling the impact as vigilant staff at Drumheller Institution scored a major win against contraband on October 27, 2025. Inside the medium security unit, packages containing an alarming haul of methamphetamine, THC, vaping devices, cell phones, chargers, and SIM cards were seized. The estimated institutional value of this bust rings in at a hefty $150,890.

This isn't just a win for prison security; it has direct implications for Calgary. The trafficking of illicit drugs like methamphetamine and THC within correctional facilities often fuels organized crime networks that extend into our city. Methamphetamine use has been a persistent concern in Calgary, often linked to increased emergency department visits due to its aggressive and psychotic effects. While youth cannabis use reportedly decreased post-legalization, overall use in Alberta has seen an uptick, and many young adults find it easily accessible. The presence of these substances in prisons directly contributes to community drug issues.

The seizure of cell phones and SIM cards is particularly critical. Thousands of unauthorized devices are smuggled into Canadian prisons annually, enabling inmates to continue criminal activities and maintain ties with organized crime outside the walls. Just this past week, a Calgary man was arrested following a drug and gun trafficking investigation, where a radio jammer and GPS tracker were among the items seized, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal technology used in local crime. Another significant drug bust on October 27, 2025, involving a Calgary man attempting to smuggle $7 million worth of cocaine across the Alberta border, further underscores the constant efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs impacting our city.

This successful operation at Drumheller, a facility just an hour and a half east of Calgary, represents a crucial step in disrupting these illicit supply chains and enhancing public safety across the province, directly safeguarding our neighbourhoods.

This one comes to us from the Government of Canada. Get more info at the source: https://www.canada.ca/en/correctional-service/news/2025/10/seizure-of-contraband-and-unauthorized-items-at-drumheller-institution0.html