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The Correctional Services Department was committed to maintaining a drug-free environment to everyone in its custody, a department spokesman said today (March 2).
The spokesman said the department took every possible measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions and to eradicate any presence of them.
His comments followed the seizure of suspected dangerous drugs today from a newly admitted inmate.
The inmate, surnamed Lau and aged 17, was recalled for breach of supervision order and admitted to Pik Uk Correctional Institution on February 26.
Acting on intelligence that Lau might have swallowed some drugs, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
A total of 17 suspected Midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Lau's stool twice today. Lau claimed that he forgot when he had swallowed the suspected drugs.
Investigations by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Lau are continuing.
The case has been reported to the Police.
The spokesman said the total number of seizures of dangerous drugs in 2005 was 88, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Thursday, March 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:29
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