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The Correctional Services Department took every measure to prevent the smuggling of dangerous drugs into correctional institutions and eradicate their presence there, a department spokesperson said today (January 16).
"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 prisoner swallowing dangerous drugs and discharging them in his stool on Wednesday (January 14) and today.
Surnamed Yung, the 52-year-old remand prisoner was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) on Monday (January 12) on a charge of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
Acting on information that Yung might have swallowed some drugs before his admission, department officers put him in an isolation cell for close observation.
On Wednesday, officers found one pack of suspected heroin in Yung's stool, and today they found two packs of suspected heroin.
An investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Yung is continuing. The case has been reported to the police.
The spokesperson said there were 93 seizures of dangerous drugs last year with the seizures mainly in reception centres.
Ends/Friday, January 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:31
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