The Ford government is taking extra steps to prevent contraband from entering the Thunder Bay District Jail
The province is installing an ion scanner at the facility.
It can detect and identify trace elements of drugs.
Officials says a pilot project at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre in 2018 successfully used an ion scanner to identify contraband drugs including fentanyl.
It is one of three being installed in the north including the Kenora and Sudbury jails.
“Detecting and preventing the entry of contraband is critical to keeping Ontario’s correctional facilities safe,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Our government is committed to equipping our corrections staff with the modern tools and technology they need to do their job safely and ensure continued security.”