The Government is committed to reducing both the supply of and the demand for illicit drugs through a wide range of action and programmes. It is also committed to reducing the prevalence and incidence of drug abuse by developing a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programme for drug abusers and dissuading people, in particular the young, from taking or experimenting with drugs.

Overall Strategy and Coordination

In combating drug trafficking and abuse, the Government adopts a comprehensive five-pronged approach which covers law enforcement, preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, research, and international cooperation.

    Effective law enforcement curtails illicit drug supply and induces drug abusers to seek treatment voluntarily. It also brings compulsory treatment to many who are convicted of an offence and have a drug dependency. A comprehensive range of treatment and rehabilitation services is provided to meet the different needs of drug abusers from varying backgrounds.

    Preventive education and publicity programmes are organised across the HKSAR and at local level to increase public awareness of the drug problem and to encourage people to adopt a drug-free lifestyle. Research studies are conducted on various aspects of the drug abuse problem and the findings facilitate the planning of suitable anti-drug strategies and programmes. Cooperation at the international level, through exchanges of information and experience as well as joint actions against illicit trafficking, enhances the effectiveness of efforts in all these areas.

    These anti-drug efforts are coordinated by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), a non-statutory body comprising 20 members, of whom 18 are non-officials. It advises the Government on anti-drug policies and activities and is serviced by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau, headed by the Commissioner for Narcotics.

    Given the world-wide and local increase of psychotropic substance abuse, a multi-discipline task force comprising more than 30 experts from different fields was set up in early 2000 to recommend to the Government comprehensive strategies to tackle this problem along the five-pronged anti-drug approach. The Task Force completed its work and issued a report in June 2002, recommending a series of specific measures for combating psychotropic substance abuse. These recommendations are being implemented in phases, having regard to factors such as availability of resources and complexity of the issues involved. The ACAN will assist in monitoring the progress in their implementation.

Legislation and Law Enforcement

To fulfil its international obligations under the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Hong Kong enacted the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance and the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance which provide for the tracing, freezing, confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of drug trafficking as well as for action against laundering of drug money.

    In July, the Drug Trafficking and Organised Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance was enacted to further enhance the effectiveness of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering regime through amendments to the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance and the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance. These amendments will come into effect on January 1, 2003.

    Since the enactment of the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance in 1989, assets valued at $372 million have been confiscated, and paid to the Government. By year-end, assets amounting to $1,170 million were under restraint. In addition, $112 million had been ordered to be confiscated and was pending recovery from defendants.

    The amendment to the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance to bring dance parties at unlicensed premises under its ambit was passed by the Legislative Council in November. Consequently, a revised Code of Practice for Dance Party Organisers was issued by the Narcotics Division. The revised code provides the trade with updated guidelines for provision of safe and crime-free dancing events, including safeguards against drug abuse.

    The law enforcement agencies, i.e. the Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department, continued to step up their efforts in combating drug-related crimes. Psychotropic substance trafficking and abuse were targeted with intelligence-led operations and coordinated region-wide operation. Both agencies made maximum use of the liaison channels with their overseas counterparts in their anti-drug efforts and some impressive results have been achieved. Cooperation with Guangdong Province and Macau has been strengthened through the stepping up of parallel law enforcement, sharing of intelligence, and exchange activities.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Hong Kong adopts a multi-modality approach in providing treatment and rehabilitation services to cater for the different needs of drug dependent persons from varying backgrounds.

    The main types of drug treatment and rehabilitation include a compulsory drug treatment programme operated by the Correctional Services Department, a voluntary out-patient methadone programme provided by the Department of Health, and voluntary residential programmes run by non-governmental organisations including Christian therapeutic drug treatment agencies. Medical and psychiatric treatment for psychotropic substance abusers is provided by six substance abuse clinics under the Hospital Authority. There are also three Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers targeting habitual and occasional psychotropic substance abusers.

    In April, the Drug Dependent Persons Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres (Licensing) Ordinance came into operation. The ordinance introduced a licensing scheme with the aim of enhancing the standards of services provided by drug treatment and rehabilitation centres.

    Following a review by the Social Welfare Department, the drug awareness programmes provided to young people and secondary school students under the Against Substance Abuse Scheme were transferred to the three Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers in August.

    During the year, significant progress was made in implementing the recommendations of the second Three-year Plan on Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services. In August, the Narcotics Division commissioned a research study to develop a protocol for screening and assessment of poly-drug abusers. Furthermore, two additional Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers commenced operation in October. A drug treatment and rehabilitation centre in Tuen Mun, catering for young male drug abusers, is under construction and will commence operation in mid-2003.

    Following the promulgation of a Report on Review of the Methadone Treatment Programme, various measures to improve the services of methadone clinics have been implemented. In March, the Sham Shui Po Methadone Clinic was expanded to include enhanced facilities such as a health education room and an interview room for social workers. Pursuant to the review, the Beat Drugs Fund approved a grant for conducting a clinical trial to examine the efficacy of naltrezone (an opiate which blocks the subjective and physiological effects of morphine and heroin) in relapse prevention for detoxified opiate addicts. In October, individual counselling services and group therapy sessions for methadone patients were increased with the augmented manpower of seven social workers.

    In November, the Narcotics Division and the Social Welfare Department organised a six-day international training programme for anti-drug workers in Hong Kong. The training programme was conducted by training consultants of Daytop International, USA, with the objectives of enhancing the knowledge, skills and competence of anti-drug workers and fostering communication and cooperation among government departments, drug treatment agencies, and related organisations involved in anti-drug work.

Preventive Education and Publicity

The Narcotics Division adopted a multi-faceted approach in publicising the anti-drug message during the year.

    Given the importance of strengthening drug education for students, the Narcotics Division continued to provide drug education programmes to students from Primary 5 up to Senior Secondary levels as well as students in the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (HKIVE). In September, three non-governmental organisations were commissioned by the Narcotics Division to deliver these programmes in the 2002–03 and 2003–04 school years. During the year, a total of 1 821 drug education programmes for 145 700 students in 395 primary schools and 214 secondary schools were delivered. A total of 87 programmes were also conducted for 4 297 students of the HKIVE. Collaboration with School Liaison Officers of the Police Force has been strengthened so that more joint talks could be given in secondary schools.

    Apart from programmes targeting students, drug talks were also arranged for teaching staff of schools. In April, 18 000 drug education kits were produced by the Narcotics Division for distribution to all secondary school teachers to provide them with ready materials for conducting drug education lessons for students.

    During the year, a series of drug education programmes was organised for youth groups at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (DIC). Drug talks and visits to drug treatment centres were arranged for the young participants who would help to promote the anti-drug message to their peers after completion of the course. The 'train-the-trainer' programme has been extended to reach more youth groups and non-governmental agencies.

    The construction of the purpose-built premises for the exhibition centre under the DIC Phase II was completed in July. Design and installation of exhibits and displays for this permanent exhibition venue dedicated to drug education in Hong Kong was under way. It was planned that the exhibition centre would come into operation at the end of 2003.

    During the year, strong emphasis was placed on the harm that psychotropic substance abuse can cause among young people. Anti-drug messages were disseminated through the electronic media, which included the production of a series of new Announcements in the Public Interest (API), a special one-hour anti-drug television programme, a radio series and an anti-drug Christmas carnival. The new APIs were also broadcast on the M-channel, a video channel whose service was installed in buses of a major public bus company and in shops of a fast food chain. A poster to tie-in with the theme of the APIs was produced and displayed at various venues. A Harm Reduction Campaign was jointly organised by the Department of Health and the Narcotics Division to promote the methadone treatment programme as a way of reducing harm and to advise against needle-sharing by drug abusers.

    To demonstrate a united front in tackling drug problems and in support of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a delegation comprising representatives from various departments joined Mainland and Macau officials in attending a drug incineration rally held in Shenzhen in June. Separately, a 'Say No to Drugs' pledge ceremony was held in Hong Kong, with anti-drug officials from Guangdong and Macau attending as officiating guests.

    To encourage district organisations and community groups to organise anti-drug functions, sponsorship continued to be provided through the Community Against Drugs Scheme. The provisions for the year were increased by $100,000 to $600,000 for supporting 20 projects conducted by District Fight Crime Committees, schools and voluntary organisations. Apart from funding support, the Narcotics Division continued to participate in or co-organise preventive education and publicity projects launched by community groups.

    The Anti-drug Volunteer Group, following expansion of the scheme, had 162 individual and 83 corporate volunteers. Individual volunteers participated in 17 anti-drug community involvement and publicity activities, such as district carnivals, exhibitions, health-oriented projects and seminars. The Volunteer Group held its first Annual General Meeting in November. The Anti-drug Abuse Hotline (2366 8822), which provides useful information on drug-related matters, received 26 843 calls during the year. It was planned to revamp the hotline in 2003, with a view to extending the contents covered.

Drug Abuse

Statistics on drug abuse are supplied by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA). Information of drug abusers is collated by the Registry through a wide network of reporting agencies, including law enforcement departments, treatment and welfare agencies, hospitals and clinics. During the year, about 17 900 drug abusers were reported to the Registry. Of these, 29 per cent were newly reported cases, 17 per cent were aged under 21 and 82 per cent were male. The proportion of drug abusers in the population remained relatively small at about three per thousand.

    Heroin was the most common drug of abuse in Hong Kong. It was abused by 74 per cent of the persons reported to the Registry. In comparison with the past, a larger proportion of persons reported to the Registry abused psychotropic substances (35 per cent). The most common psychotropic substances of abuse included ketamine (17 per cent), 'ecstasy' (9 per cent), cannabis (8 per cent), and triazolam/midazolam (8 per cent). About 19 per cent of the drug abusers were reported to have abused more than one drug.

Research

Drug-related research studies are coordinated by the ACAN Subcommittee on Research. The findings of these studies provide useful references to facilitate the Government's planning of anti-drug strategies and programmes. During the year, two new projects were identified for implementation. Another four studies were carried forward, and one of them was completed during the year.

    The computerised CRDA serves to monitor changes in trends and characteristics of the drug abuser population in Hong Kong, and maintains useful statistics. Two half-yearly reports on the drug abusers population and profiles were published.

International Action

Hong Kong continued to participate proactively in international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. Apart from observing its obligations under the three major United Nations conventions concerning narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, it also maintained close links with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, Interpol, the World Customs Organisation, and other governments, with a view to ensuring Hong Kong's anti-drug work on various fronts remained in step with the current international standards and requirements.

    On the anti-money laundering front, Hong Kong is a member of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) as well as a founding member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. In recognition of Hong Kong's achievements in combating money laundering, 'Hong Kong, China' was selected as the President of the FATF for 2001–02. The Commissioner for Narcotics, as the central coordinator of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering efforts, represented Hong Kong in this role. Under the presidency of Hong Kong, the FATF had made significant progress in its work relating to fighting money laundering including, among other steps, the launching of a comprehensive review of the FATF Forty Recommendations — the internationally recognised standards for combating money laundering. Another important achievement was the adoption, in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, of the Eight Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing in October that year. This set of recommendations has since become the benchmark against which countries/territories measure their efforts in countering financing for terrorism.

    During Hong Kong's presidency, the FATF had held an exceptional number of five plenary meetings, one of which was hosted by the Government. The Hong Kong plenary was held from January 30 to February 1, followed by a special Forum on Terrorist Financing at its conclusion. Representatives from about 60 jurisdictions from the FATF and the five FATF-style regional bodies in various parts of the world, the Offshore Group of Banking Supervisors and nine international organisations participated in the forum. All jurisdictions present agreed on the importance of global adoption and implementation of the Eight Special Recommendations and of joining the FATF's efforts. FATF members reiterated their commitment to assist non-members, as appropriate, in complying with the Special Recommendations. The participating non-FATF countries also agreed to take part in a self-assessment exercise relating to the Eight Special Recommendations on the same terms as FATF members.

    To combat transnational crimes effectively, Hong Kong continued to support mutual assistance between jurisdictions. By year-end, it had entered into 13 agreements and also signed 13 bilateral agreements with other jurisdictions on surrender of fugitive offenders.

    To share experience and expertise, anti-drug personnel took part in various international meetings, seminars, and workshops concerned with anti-drug policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.

Beat Drugs Fund

To promote community efforts to beat drugs, the Government established a Beat Drugs Fund in 1996 with a capital outlay of $350 million. Community-wide anti-drug activities covering preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, and research are within the fund's ambit. During the year, a total of $19.70 million was allocated to 25 projects: 21 preventive education and publicity projects, one treatment and rehabilitation project and two research projects and one mixed-type project.