Press Release

Drugs seized from inmates in correctional institutions

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 9).

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

His comments followed two cases in which correctional officers found dangerous drugs concealed by a remand inmate at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) and another inmate at Tai Lam Centre for Women (TLCW) yesterday (September 8).

The first case involved a 36-year-old remand, who was admitted to LCKRC on September 4 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Acting on information that the remand, surnamed Cheung, might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, CSD officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation. Officers found in his stool yesterday three tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets. 

The second case involved a 30-year-old female remand, surnamed Law, who was admitted to TLCW on September 5 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug. A total of two tablets of suspected midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Law's stool yesterday.

The cases have been reported to the Police. Investigation by CSD continues.
 
There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year and 130 this year up to yesterday, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:04

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