Staff at the Atlantic Institution in Renous have seized a large amount of contraband and unauthorized items, according to the Correctional Service of Canada.

CSC said the items were found during recent checks at the maximum‑security prison.

The seizure included tobacco, marijuana, rolling papers, knives, handmade stabbing weapons and several cell phones and accessories.

CSC estimated the institutional value of the items at $86,700.

The seizure reflects ongoing efforts to prevent drugs and other banned items from entering federal institutions.

Those efforts include the use of ion scanners and drug‑detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

The agency is increasing security measures to help maintain a safe environment for staff, inmates and visitors.

CSC also said it works with police to take action against people who attempt to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities.

The correctional service added that it operates a national telephone tip line for all federal institutions to gather information about activities that may involve drug use or trafficking and could threaten safety