Illegal Items Seized Outside Of Prison

More information has been released about the seizure of a package containing unauthorized items on the perimeter of the minimum security Westmorland Institution at Dorchester. 

The prison service estimates the contents of the package have an institutional value of more than 30 thousand dollars.
 
Police have been called in and the Correctional Service is also investigating.
 
The Correctional Service says the methods it utilizes to control the flow of drugs into prisons include ion scanners and drug dogs to search buildings, prisoners and visitors.

Upcoming Provincial Budget Worries CTF

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a bit uneasy about the next provincial budget that will be unveiled on Tuesday.
 
It's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey fears an increase in taxes and license fees. He tells Tide News to look what's happening with the property assessments which are tax increases by another name.

Some homeowners are outraged by the increase they're being hit with.

Lacey says it would be a mistake to roll back the 2008 tax reductions that were implemented by the previous Liberal government under then Premier Shawn Graham.

Those tax cuts are seen by some, including Rod Hill of U-N-B Saint John who ran for the NDP, as making the provincial deficit worse and not achieving the economic growth that was hoped for.

CUPE Wants Solution To Overcrowding In Jails

Following a Saint John man's extended jail sentence for a prison beat-down, the union representing prison workers is raising the red flag about overcrowding. 

Thomas Jack was attacked by his cellmate Jeremy David in November 2011 and will never work and drive again due to the impact of his injuries.

Mike Davidson of CUPE tells Tide News they have concerns about the current management at the provincial jail on the Old Black River road.

He says under the current management they have had a riot, an assault on an inmate and the early release of an inmate involved in a homicide.

Davidson calls overcrowding a serious issue and they haven't been too successful with the province on resolving it.

Our newsroom has an interview request into Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors for his take on things.

Three Teens Face Charges After Local Police Seize Loaded Guns

Three teenagers from St. Stephen are facing charges after a search from local police turned up with loaded guns.

Police tell Tide News yesterday morning, (March 20th, 2013) District 1 RCMP executed a search warrant at an apartment on Ross Avenue in Milltown.

Police say they seized firearms, several of which were loaded, cash, and other items thought to be related to criminal activity.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight says, "The unlawful possession of firearms, particularly firearms which are not properly stored and loaded, pose a threat to public and police safety."

Two young men, ages 17 and 18, and an 18-year-old girl were arrested and released on conditions to appear in court at a later date.