Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Canoe Inc Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837 Author: Matt Kieltyka, 24hours PROTESTS ROCK PRISON Inmates at the Matsqui federal prison caused havoc and set fires in protest Friday after correction officers accused them of using children to smuggle drugs. The prison was completely locked down Friday night and Saturday after the episode, which saw inmates refuse to go back to their cells and set three fires in the institution's exercise yard. According to Corrections Canada, about 170 inmates protested reduced recreational access and voiced their displeasure over recent media reports. On Thursday, the Union of Canadian Correction Officers' told media that a Matsqui officer was almost punished for contacting the B.C. Ministry of Child and Family Development when he found drugs hidden in a toddler's clothing. Union president Gord Robertson said the influx of drugs into prisons was a huge problem and demanded policy changes to allow guards to search infants without worrying about privacy breaches. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath