Press Release

Correctional staff successfully prevent smuggling of dangerous drugs

     Correctional Services staff today (March 1) found in the stool of an inmate a total of 11 tablets of suspected dangerous drugs and swiftly prevented the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions.

     The 53-year-old man was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

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

     Shortly after noon today, staff members found in his stool suspected dangerous drugs wrapped in plastic.

    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 28 this year to date, with the seizures mainly made in reception centres.

Ends/Thursday, March 1, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:57

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