Drugs seized from inmate in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre

The Correctional Services Department takes every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions, and to eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (April 14).

"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.

Surnamed Siu, the 33-year-old remand inmate was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on April 7 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Acting on intelligence that Siu might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.

Officers found in Siu's stool today nine packets of suspected dormicum wrapped in plastic sheets.

An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Siu is continuing.

The case has been reported to the Police.

There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2008) and 37 this year up to March 31, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.      

Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:46

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