*********************************************
The Correctional Services Department today (March 20) re-affirmed its commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment for everyone in its custody.
A department spokesman said every measure was taken to not only prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions but also to eradicate any presence of them there.
His comments followed the case of dangerous drugs swallowed by a remand who later discharged them in his stool on Saturday (March 18).
The remand, surnamed Chan, 47, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre last Friday (March 17) on a charge of possession of a dangerous drug.
Acting on intelligence that Chan might have swallowed some drugs, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
Nine packets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Chan's stool twice on March 18.
Investigations by the department into whether more dangerous drugs were still concealed in Chan were continuing.
The case has been reported to the Police.
The spokesman said there were 88 seizures of dangerous drugs in 2005, mainly in the reception centres.
Ends/Monday, March 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:32
NNNN
