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The Correctional Services Department took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions, and to eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (June 9).
"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 remand inmate swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.
Surnamed Liu, the 50-year-old remand inmate was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (June 8) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
Acting on intelligence that Liu might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
In his stool today, officers found 14 tablets of suspected midazolam wrapped in plastic sheets in white and red.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Liu is continuing.
The case has been reported to the police.
There were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2008) and 65 this year up to May 31, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:45
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