Press Release

Drugs seized from remand 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 (November 20).

"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 59-year-old man was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (November 19) 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 pack measuring about 4.5cm by 3cm by 2cm wrapped in transparent handiwrap, containing a total of eight tablets of suspected heroin.

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 165 this year up to November 19, with the seizures mainly in reception centres.

Ends/Friday, November 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:43

NNNN