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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 (May 21).
"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.
Surnamed Cheung, the 47-year-old remand inmate was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) yesterday (May 20) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
On admission to LCKRC, Cheung confessed to correctional staff that he had swallowed some drugs before his admission. He was then put in an isolation cell for close observation.
Officers this morning found in his stool nine packs of suspected heroin and midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets with various colours.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Cheung is continuing.
The case has been reported to the police.
There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2008) and 55 this year up to April 30, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:07
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