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The Correctional Services Department (CSD) takes every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and eradicate their presence in, correctional institutions, a department spokesperson said today (April 20).
The comment followed two cases in which two remands in isolation cells consecutively excreted a total of five tablets of suspected dangerous drugs in the past three days. The two were co-defendants in the same case.
The first case involved a 55-year-old remand surnamed Lam. He was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on April 16 for the offence of trafficking a dangerous drug. On April 17 and 18, CSD officers found in his stools a total of three packs of a suspected dangerous drug.
The second case involved a 56-year-old remand surnamed Choy. He was admitted to LCKRC on the same day on a charge of possession of a dangerous drug. Two packs of a suspected dangerous drug were discharged in Choy's stool on April 18.
Both cases have been reported to the Police. Investigation by the CSD continues.
Since Lam and Choy were co-defendants in the same case and both of them admitted to having swallowed suspected midazolam of the same size wrapped in red plastic sheets before admission, correctional officers suspect that they might have been collaborating in smuggling dangerous drugs into prison.
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/Monday, April 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:16
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