The union representing Quebec's prison guards says technology is evolving and they need more resources if they are to clamp down on contraband cellphones smuggled to inmates.
The union tells La Presse that mini-phones and mobiles that resemble watches are a particular problem.
In recent months, one inmate facing a search of his cell at the Riviere des Prairies detention centre swallowed a mini-phone about the size of an car's electronic key fob.
He required surgery when the cellphone did not make a natural reappearance.