Warkworth Lockdown

In an 89.7 exclusive, our senior investigative reporter John Hill says Warkworth Institution remains locked down with all visits cancelled after an inmate overdosed yesterday on what may have been fentanyl.  

The inmate was airlifted to a Peterborough hospital but the Correctional Service of Canada cites privacy reasons for not disclosing his condition.  

An exceptional search is underway at Canada's largest prison.  That means staff will be on the lookout for any contraband substance during an intensive search. 

This follows on the heels of a nationwide job disruption whereby prison guards across Canada refused normal duties on Friday and were ordered to return to work.  Jason Grodin, the national President of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers says more is needed to protect correctional officers from exposure to fentanyl.  He says that dangerous amounts have been discovered at various locations in Canada. 

It is unknown how long the Warkworth lockdown will continue or if the union will encourage further job action.