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 (April 17).

"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 57-year-old man was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre on April 13 on a charge of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

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 today and on April 14 a total of seven tablets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets.

An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in the inmate continues.

The case has been reported to the police.

There were 188 seizures of dangerous drugs last year and 22 this year up to March 10, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.

Ends/Saturday, April 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:25

NNNN