Press Release

Drugs seized from inmate in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre

The Correctional Services Department took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions, and to eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (August 14).

"The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people in its custody", the spokesperson said.

The comments followed the case of a remand inmate swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.

Surnamed Tam, the 35-year-old was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (August 13) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

On admission to LCKRC, Tam confessed to correctional staff that he had swallowed some drugs before his admission. He was then put in an isolation cell for close observation.

Officers found in Tam 's stool last night a total of five tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets.

An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Tam is continuing.

The case has been reported to the police.

There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year and 98 this year up to July 31, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Friday, August 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:10

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