Press Release

Drugs seized from remands by correctional staff

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them in correctional institutions, a department spokesperson said today (August 17).

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

His comments followed three cases in which correctional officers found dangerous drugs concealed by three remands within three days.

The first case involved a 52-year-old remand, who was admitted to LCKRC on August 15 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Acting on information that the remand, surnamed Tang, might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, CSD officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation. Officers seized from his stool yesterday (August 16) and today a total of 33 tablets of suspected Triazolam and heroin wrapped in plastic sheets. 

The second case involved a 37-year-old remand, surnamed Tse, who was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on August 11 on a charge of possession of dangerous drug. Two tablets of suspected Triazolam wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Tse's stool yesterday.

The third case involved a 41-year-old remand, surnamed Lui, who was admitted to LCKRC on August 14 on a charge of possession of dangerous drug. Officers seized from his stool yesterday two tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets.

These cases have been reported to the Police. Investigation by CSD continues.

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

Ends/Monday, August 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:41

NNNN