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The Correctional Services Department took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them in correctional institutions, a department spokesperson said today (July 17).
"The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people in its custody," he said.
His comments followed the case of a remand prisoner swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.
The 50-year-old remand prisoner, surnamed Lam, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) yesterday on two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug offences.
Acting on information that Lam might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
A total of 13 packets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Lam's stool this morning.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Lam is continuing.
The case has been reported to the Police.
The spokesperson said there were 59 seizures of dangerous drugs between January and June this year, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:45
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