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Correctional officers today (January 9) conducted a special search operation in Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution.
A total of 70 officers were deployed in the operation which was mounted in response to the seizure of a small packet of suspected dangerous drugs from the institution's workshop yesterday (January 8). The search was carried out smoothly with unauthorised articles, including magazines, betting notes, gambling instruments and self-made razor blades, seized from the institution's workshops and dormitories.
Subsequent to yesterday's seizure of suspected dangerous drugs, eight prisoners were removed from normal association under Prison Rule 68B. The investigation is still under way.
Commenting on the operation, a department spokesperson said the Correctional Services Department (CSD) was committed to providing a drug-free environment to all persons in CSD custody. "We take every measure to forestall any possible smuggling of dangerous drugs and eradicate any presence of dangerous drugs and contraband in penal institutions," the spokesperson said.
"All cases of seizure of suspected dangerous drugs will be reported to the Police for investigation and action," the spokesperson added.
This is the first special search operation conducted by the department this year (2008). Four similar operations were conducted in 2007.
Ends/Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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