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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 (March 2).
"The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people in its custody", the spokesperson said.
The comments followed the case of a Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre inmate swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.
Surnamed Chan, the 51-year-old inmate was convicted of trafficking in a dangerous drug and sentenced to imprisonment for eight months. He was admitted to the Centre on February 28 after conviction at Kowloon City Magistracy.
Acting on information that Chan might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
Officers this morning found 14 packets of suspected dormicum wrapped in plastic sheets in Chan's stool.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Chan is continuing.
The case has been reported to the Police.
The spokesperson said there were 115 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2006), with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Friday, March 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:30
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