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A 57-year-old male remand of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC), admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) shortly after 7 o'clock this morning (February 5), was certified dead by medical officer of the hospital, a spokesperson of Correctional Services Department (CSD) said.
About 6.52am, the remand, surnamed Lee, was found unconscious in his cell. Lee was immediately treated at the scene and then sent to PMH.
Police have been informed of the incident. An inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.
Lee was remanded in LCKRC on January 21 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
Acting on information that Lee might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, CSD officers put him in a single cell for close observation. On January 23, four packs of suspected dangerous drugs were taken from his stool. The case was referred to police for investigation.
"Every measure is taken by the Correctional Services Department to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them, in correctional institutions," the spokesperson said.
"The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people in its custody.
"The total number of seizures of dangerous drugs in 2007 was 102, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres," the spokesperson said.
Ends/Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:00
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