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Correctional officers conducted a special searching operation today (September 29) in Shek Pik Prison (SPP) as part of the Correctional Services Department (CSD)'s security measures carried out in individual institutions.
In the operation, unauthorised articles including self-made gambling paraphernalia and other articles, food provisions and prison workshop materials were seized from the prison workshops, prisonersˇ¦ cells and activity rooms.
Among them, ninety-five suspected soccer betting notes were found. The total amount of betting involved was estimated to be 8 000 packs of cigarettes.
After investigation, appropriate actions would be taken against any prisoners who breached prison discipline.
The operation, started at 8.30 am and ended at 7 pm, was carried out smoothly without any resistance. Eleven prisoners were transferred from SPP to Stanley Prison for management purpose.
Eighty-one correctional officers from various divisions and institutions were deployed in the operation. They were led by the Senior Superintendent of SPP.
Commenting on the operation, a CSD spokesperson said: "CSD staff members will spare no efforts to detect and clamp down any illicit activities inside penal institutions. Two similar operations were also mounted in other institutions this year.
ˇ§We will continue our close monitoring of prisoners' activities," the spokesperson added.
Ends/Friday, September 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:51
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