Drone Smuggling Incident Highlights Growing Security Threats in Canadian Prisons
Incident Overview
On December 9, 2024, staff at the Atlantic Institution, a high-security prison in New Brunswick, discovered a package containing $405,500 worth of illicit drugs—methamphetamine, crack cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and marijuana. Initially, Canada’s Correctional Service (CSC) reported only the discovery of the drugs but withheld the delivery method. Later, a CSC spokesperson confirmed that the package had been dropped by a drone. This incident aligns with an earlier report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Blackville, New Brunswick, which confirmed a potential drone sighting near the facility on December 8, 2024. Despite an alert being issued, no drones were found at the site at that time. Since the discovery, CSC has clarified that no additional packages have been found at the facility.
When questioned about the frequency of drone-related incidents, CSC admitted that it does not specifically track seized drones. “If a drone crashes and is seized, it is categorized as ‘other’ seized items,” the CSC said. "We are currently working on improving our reporting system to track drone seizures more accurately."
The Growing Threat of Drone Smuggling
This incident highlights an alarming trend in drone smuggling at Canadian federal prisons. Between January and July 2024, CSC reported 35 drone-related incidents in the Atlantic Region. One notable case occurred in May 2024 at Springhill Institution in Nova Scotia, where $475,000 worth of methamphetamine was seized, some of which was believed to have been delivered via drone. Another major smuggling attempt occurred in August 2022, when a package containing $750,000 worth of contraband was found near Springhill Institution, later confirmed to have been dropped by a drone.
The use of drones to bypass traditional security measures has made them an increasingly preferred method for smuggling contraband into prisons. These incidents pose significant challenges for correctional facilities, especially in terms of detection and interception. As drones evolve, they present new threats that traditional security methods struggle to address.
In response to this growing concern, CSC has acknowledged the need for enhanced tracking and reporting systems. Commissioner Anne Kelly confirmed that all federal prisons have now implemented drone detection systems. This is part of a broader effort to combat the rising trend of drone-related smuggling, highlighted by the $405,500 drug smuggling case at the Atlantic Institution.
Prison Security Defense Solutions
As drone smuggling becomes an escalating security threat, the need for advanced detection and interception technologies is more critical than ever. Below are key solutions that can help mitigate the threat of drones in correctional facilities:
1. Drone Detection and Interception Systems:
We are a drone jamming company. For more details on pricing, please contact our sales manager.
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Detection Equipment: These systems are designed to identify and track drones approaching the prison’s airspace. Common detection technologies include radar, radio frequency (RF) detectors, and acoustic sensors.
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Radar Systems: Specifically designed to detect low-flying objects like drones, radar systems offer precise location data, enabling swift identification and tracking of unauthorized drones.
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Optical Systems: Combining visible light and infrared cameras, optical systems provide surveillance in various lighting conditions, ensuring accurate visual confirmation.
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Jamming Devices: These devices emit signals at specific frequencies to disrupt the communication between drones and their operators. Jammers can make drones inoperable or force them to land, providing an effective means of interception. However, care must be taken to avoid interference with legitimate communications.
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Spoofing Devices: These systems use GPS spoofing or protocol attacks to take control of the drone, redirecting it to a safe landing zone by transmitting falsified navigation data.
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Integrated Defense Systems: Smart, integrated systems that combine detection, jamming, and spoofing capabilities to provide automated, 24/7 protection. These systems offer seamless operation without the need for manual intervention, ensuring robust security.
2. Mobile Phone and Communication Device Management:
For more details on pricing, please contact our sales manager.
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Strict Entry Security Checks: Strengthen security checks for staff and visitors using metal detectors, X-ray scanners, and other tools to prevent unauthorized communication devices from entering the facility.
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Signal Jamming Technology: High-efficiency jammers can block illegal communication signals between inmates and the outside world, while ensuring authorized devices remain unaffected.
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Mobile Phone Signal Management: Conduct random spot checks in housing areas and workspaces to identify hidden contraband, such as mobile phones, SIM cards, and other illegal items.
FAQs
Q1. Does installation require prison infrastructure changes?
Zero structural modifications needed:
- Rapid Deployment (4-hour base station setup)
- Modular Design (mounts on walls/towers/vehicles)
- Stealth Appearance (blends with existing security equipment)
Q2: How does your RF anti-drone weapon neutralize drones in prison airspace?
Our system uses targeted RF jamming to disrupt critical frequencies:
- 2.4GHz/5.8GHz/GPS/Beidou Blocking: Instantly disables drone remote control & GPS signals
- Dynamic Frequency Hopping: Adapts to new drone models in real-time
- 0.3-Second Response: Stops drones before they enter prison grounds (verified 98.7% success rate)
Q3: Will RF jamming affect prison staff radios or security systems?
No. We use:
- Precision Narrowband Jamming (avoids overlapping with prison comms)
- FCC-Compliant Power Limits (<1W output, 100m directional range)
Q4: What’s the maximum coverage area for one RF unit?
Customizable protection:
• 360° coverage up to 1.5km radius
• Directional jamming up to 2km (ideal for perimeter hot zones)
Q5: Why choose RF over laser/drone nets for prisons?
RF jamming is:
• Non-Destructive: No falling drones to retrieve inside facilities
• Instant Recovery: Resume operations post-jamming with zero cleanup
• Cost-Effective: 40% lower lifetime cost vs. kinetic systems (DOJ 2022 study)
