As of yesterday, Fenbrook Institution remains in a state of lockdown as staff and police comb the facility in search of contraband.

The lockdown went into effect on Sunday in order to facilitate the search.

Pam Gray, acting assistant warden management services, would not say what type of contraband is the focus of the search. However, she did say the search includes members of both the Correctional Service of Canada and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

“The OPP were here with their dogs on Sunday. I’m not sure at this time whether they will continue to be involved,” she said. “I can only say we’re searching for contraband.”

The search was instituted after the prison’s security office received information that there was contraband inside the institution. That information was then passed on to the warden who instituted the lockdown, said Gray.

All normal institutional operations, including visits, are suspended until the conclusion of the search.

Gray said the lockdown is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the public, staff and inmates.

On Tuesday morning, Gray said all of the relevant players, including union executives and management, were meeting to discuss the status of the search.

Gray said the facility will reopen once management has determined it is safe to do so.

“Right now, I have no idea how long that might be,” said Gray.

The lockdown does not affect the neighbouring Beaver Creek Institution.