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The Correctional Services Department takes every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions and to eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (December 31).
"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 man on remand swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.
The 67-year-old man was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre on December 29 on a charge of possessing dangerous drugs.
Acting on information that he might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers placed him in an isolation cell for close observation.
Officers today found in his stool a total of five packs of suspected dangerous drugs wrapped in plastic sheets. He remains under observation to ascertain whether more dangerous drugs remain in his body.
The case has been reported to the Police.
There were 137 seizures of dangerous drugs in 2010 and 113 up to October 23 this year, with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Saturday, December 31, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:00
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