Press Release

Correctional officers successfully prevent smuggling of dangerous drugs

     Officers of the Correctional Services Department today (February 22) found in the stool of an inmate reportedly a total of 29 pills of suspected dangerous drugs wrapped in a plastic bag and rapidly prevented the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions.

     The 55-year-old man was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre at about 4.30pm today on a charge of possessing dangerous drugs.

     Acting on information that he might have hidden some drugs before his admission, department officers placed him in an isolation cell for close observation.

     At about 5pm, officers found in his stool suspected dangerous drugs wrapped in a plastic bag. The inmate admitted that the bag contained a total of 29 pills. He remains under observation to ascertain whether more dangerous drugs remain in his body.

     The case has been reported to the Police.

     The spokesperson said, "The department takes every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions and to eradicate their presence there. We are committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people in its custody."
   
     There were 125 seizures of dangerous drugs in 2011 and 16 as at today this year, with the seizures mainly made in reception centres.

Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:55

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