29.10.2026 21:03
In a high-security prison in the Canadian province of Quebec, the delivery of contraband food to an inmate by drone has brought security vulnerabilities to the agenda. During the night, an unmanned aerial vehicle that reached the cell window without being detected by radars or cameras was found to have brought a hamburger meal and alcohol to an inmate. After the incident, prison management launched an investigation, while union representatives warned that weapons and drugs could also be smuggled in the same way.
An incident at a prison in Canada known for its security measures has brought security gaps in prisons back onto the agenda. It emerged that a hamburger meal and alcohol were delivered to an inmate by drone, and after the incident the prison administration launched an investigation. The fact that the drone reached its target without being caught by security systems increased concerns.
THE DRONE REACHED AS FAR AS THE CELL WINDOW
The incident occurred at the special security unit of the Regional Reception Centre prison in the Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines area of Quebec. A drone approaching the facility at around 3:00 a.m. carried food and alcohol to the inmate’s cell.
It was stated that the package contained chicken nuggets, french fries, sauce and a bottle of alcoholic beverage. During checks the next morning, officers found the inmate, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, in his cell. There were also remnants of the food brought in in the cell.
SECURITY SYSTEMS COULD NOT DETECT THE DRONE
One of the most striking aspects of the incident was that the drone bypassed the prison’s security measures. According to statements from the prison officers’ union, external security cameras did not record the aircraft. Drone detection systems also failed to identify the unauthorized flight.
Union representatives emphasized that what happened should not be regarded as merely a food delivery. They warned that much more dangerous substances such as drugs, cell phones or weapons could be brought into the prison by the same method.
NEW MEASURES ARE COMING TO THE PRISON
Correctional Service Canada confirmed the incident and announced that an investigation had been launched. The agency reported that work is underway on physical measures, especially protective nets, to prevent drone deliveries at the facility in order to prevent similar attempts.
Authorities stated that bringing prohibited or unauthorized items into prisons threatens the safety of inmates as well as staff and society.
THE PROBLEM OF CONTRABAND BY DRONE IS GROWING IN CANADA
Bringing prohibited items into prisons by drone is a long-standing security problem in Canada. According to official reports, 899 drone incidents were recorded in federal prisons in the 2023-2024 period, and 1,064 in the 2024-2025 period. The number of incidents reported in the 2025-2026 period was 839.
The latest incident revealed that existing detection systems can be insufficient even in high-security facilities, while increasing calls for more effective measures against aircraft in prisons.