Press Release

Drugs seized from remand 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 (November 13).

"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 55-year-old remand was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (November 12) 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.

In his stool this morning, officers found 14 tablets of suspected heroin 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 158 this year up to yesterday, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Friday, November 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:16

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