Drones and Contraband Pose Everyday Challenges in Quebec Detention Centres

A seagull attacks a drone flying over St. Peter's Square as Cardinals are gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave at the Vatican, on May 7, 2025. The Canadian Press/AP-Gregorio Borgia

On any given day, drones buzz in the skies above Quebec’s detention centres looking to drop tobacco, drugs or cellphones to the inmates below.

Statistics from Quebec’s public security minister show staff reported 274 drones flying over provincial centres between January and March—or just over three per day. That doesn’t include the 10 federally-managed prisons in the province.