Correctional Services staff will increase surprise searches, night raids and joint searching operations in penal institutions during the World Cup to stem soccer gambling activities, the department says.

The department today reiterated that gambling in any form was strictly prohibited inside institutions, adding newspaper supplements containing horse racing, soccer and basketball betting odds will be withheld before distribution to prisoners.

Inmates who are known to have the intention of participating in gambling activities will be assigned to different workshops and dormitories, it added.

The department has carried out 71 soccer-related gambling paraphernalia seizures since June 9. It has discipined 19 prisoners for their involvement in soccer-related gambling activities and having gambling paraphernalia.

In 2005, 169 prisoners were disciplined for their gambling involvement. The penalties included the forfeiture of 2,779 remission days, 2,203 separate confinement days, 2,203 days of forfeited privileges and 2,436 days of earnings deprivation.

Noting the situation is under control, the department said it will closely monitor inmates' activities.