Drugs Seizure at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre
*********************************************

    The Correctional Services Department (CSD) took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into, and to eradicate any presence of them in correctional institutions, a department spokesman said today (December 4).

     "The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for everyone in its custody", he said.

     His comments followed the case of a remand prisoner swallowing dangerous drugs and later discharging them in his stool.

     The 31-year-old remand prisoner, surnamed Mak, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on November 28 on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

     Acting on information that Mak might have swallowed some dangerous drugs before his admission, CSD officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.

     Seven packets of suspected heroin wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Mak's stool on December 1.  
   
     The case has been reported to the Police.

     The spokesman said there were 99 seizures of dangerous drugs between January and October this year, most of them in the reception centres.

Ends/Monday, December 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:39

NNNN