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A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department (CSD) said today (March 4) the department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment fir all people in its custody.
Every measure is taken by the CSD to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them in, correctional institutions, he added.
His comments followed the case of dangerous drugs swallowed by a remand prisoner who later discharged them in his stool.
The remand prisoner, surnamed Lee and aged 55, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LKCRC) charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug on Wednesday (March 1).
Acting on intelligence that Lee might have swallowed some drugs, CSD officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
A total of five packets, comprising three packs of suspected heroin and two packs of suspected dormicum wrapped in plastic sheets, were discharged in Lee's stool yesterday.
Investigations by the CSD into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Lee 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/Saturday, March 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:10
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