Press Release

Drugs seized at Tai Lam Centre for Women

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 16).

"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 her stool.

The 38-year-old remand was admitted to Tai Lam Centre for Women on November 14 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Acting on information that she might have swallowed some drugs before her admission, department officers put her in an isolation cell for close observation. Eight tablets of suspected midazolam and heroin wrapped in plastic sheet were found In her stool today.

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 November 12, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Monday, November 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:51

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