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The Correctional Services Department takes every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions, and to eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (May 27).
"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 Tam, the 32-year-old remand inmate was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (May 26) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
Acting on intelligence that Tam might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
Officers this afternoon found in his stool 10 packs of suspected heroin and midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets in various colours.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Tam 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/Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:21
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