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The Correctional Services Department (CSD) took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions and eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (February 18).
The comments followed a case of suspected dangerous drugs seized from a 39-year-old remand prisoner by CSD officers on February 13.
The remand, surnamed Ng, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on February 12 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
As Ng claimed to have drug abuse history, he was put in the LCKRC Hospital upon admission for close observation.
In the morning of February 13, he was seen by a department officer trying to hide a pack of tissue paper in his pocket. When the staff member tried to search Ng, he attempted to run away and threw the tissue packet away.
A packet of suspected dangerous drug wrapped in a plastic sheet was subsequently found in that packet of tissue paper and Ng was then put in an isolation cell for close observation.
This morning, one pack of suspected heroin was discharged in Ng's stool.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed by Ng continues.
The two incidents have been reported to the police.
There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs in 2008 with the seizures mainly in reception centres.
Ends/Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:16
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