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The Correctional Services Department took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them in correctional institutions, a department spokesman said today (February 14).
"The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all persons in its custody", he said.
His comments followed two cases in which correctional officers found dangerous drugs concealed by two inmates.
In the first case, a 53-year-old inmate, surnamed Chu, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre on February 10 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
Acting on information that Chu might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
A total of nine packets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Chu's stool on February 12.
Investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Chu is continuing.
Meanwhile, department officers seized a packet of dangerous drugs from a male prisoner newly received at the Cell Holding Unit of Kwun Tong Law Courts yesterday (February 13).
Twenty tablets, suspected to be dormicum, and wrapped in plastic bags, were seized from the pocket of the prisoner's jeans during a body search.
The 29-year-old prisoner, surnamed Ng, was sentenced yesterday to four weeks jail on a charge of theft.
Both cases have been reported to the Police.
The spokesperson said there were 115 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2006), with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:30
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