A drone delivered a late-night McDonald's meal and alcohol directly to the window of a cell at Canada's highest-security prison, prompting an investigation and criticism from officials.
The airborne package, which included fries, chicken nuggets, dipping sauce and alcohol, landed on the windowsill of a cell at the Special Handling Unit (SHU) in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec. The facility, located about 35 miles north of Montreal, houses around 90 of the country's most dangerous criminals who cannot be held with regular maximum-security inmates.
Incident details and official response
Union bosses confirmed the delivery occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, as first reported by Canadian outlets TVA Nouvelles and CTV News. Correctional Service Canada (CSC) stated that the facility is meant to be "strictly regulated and rigidly controlled with a high degree of monitoring."
Prisons chief Kevin Antonucci said: "The introduction of contraband and unauthorised items into correctional institutions remains an important issue that CSC continues to actively address." He added: "Any attempt to introduce contraband or unauthorised items into a correctional institution, including through the use of drones, poses a risk to the safety and security of institutions, staff, inmates and the public."
Disciplinary action and political criticism
Officials warned that the inmate could face disciplinary action or further criminal charges if caught. Federal Conservative public safety critic Frank Caputo criticised prison bosses, calling the incident "outrageous." He said: "Drones are a huge issue dropping off drugs, weapons, other contraband, cell phones into jails. Our correctional officers deserve better."
Investigations into the late-night McDonald's drop are ongoing.
