Drugs seizure at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre
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    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 spokesperson said today (March 13).

     "The department is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for all people 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 50-year-old remand prisoner, surnamed Fung, was admitted to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) yesterday March 12 on a charge of possession of dangerous drug.

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

     A total of 16 packets of suspected heroin and dormicum wrapped in plastic sheets were discharged in Fung's stool this morning.

     Investigation by the department into whether more dangerous drugs are still concealed in Fung is continuing.

     The case has been reported to the Police.

     The spokesperson said there were 115 seizures of dangerous drugs last year (2006), with the seizures mainly in the reception centres.

Ends/Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:30

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