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 (October 22).

"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.

The 49-year-old remand was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (October 21) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
 
Acting on information that he might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.

Officers found in his stool this morning a total of 25 tablets of suspected heroin and midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets.

An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in the remand continues.

The case has been reported to the police.

There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year and 144 this year up to October 21, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Thursday, October 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:16

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