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 (September 3).

"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 Lau, the 56-year-old was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre on September 1 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

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

Officers found in Lau's stool this afternoon a total of 13 tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets.

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

The case has been reported to the police.

There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year and 121 this year up to yesterday (September 2), with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Thursday, September 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:40

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