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 27).

"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 Ha, the 55-year-old was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (August 26) on a charge of possession of dangerous drug.

Acting on information that Ha might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.

Officers found in Ha's stool yesterday afternoon a total of six tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets.

An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Ha 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/Thursday, August 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:52

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