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The Correctional Services Department (CSD) spared no effort in preventing illicit activities in penal institutions in order to ensure a safe custodial environment with good order and discipline, a spokesperson for the Department said today (September 12).
¡§The special searching operation conducted in Hei Ling Chau Correctional Institution (HLCI) yesterday (September 11) after an investigation is part of the security measures we carry out in individual institutions,¡¨ the spokesperson said.
A total of 22 officers were deployed from other institutions in the operation. Unauthorised articles including self-made gambling paraphernalia, betting notes, extra food from inmates¡¦ meals, food provisions and workshop materials were seized from the institution's dining halls, kitchen, workshops and dormitories.
The spokesperson said,¡§Eighteen prisoners have been transferred to other penal institutions from HLCI. Among them, three have been removed from normal association according to Prison Rule 68B.
¡§The department is following up the operation and any prisoners found to have breached prison rules will be disciplined.¡¨
Surprise searching operations are an effective measure in prison management. Four similar searching operations were also conducted in other institutions this year.
Ends/Friday, September 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:06
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