38
Narcotics
106.
܂܂
No one
tota
He have come a long way in controlling narcotics.
who knows points a finger at Hong Kong anymore. We still have a large
problem but it is being tackled with vigour and success.
: ་
As a result
of very effective law enforcement and compulsory and voluntary
treatment the number of addicts is being eroded and is now believed
to "number 40,000 as against the guess of over 100,000 7 years ago.
Moreover addiction is an ageing vice. Higher living standards and
education are reducing the number of young addicts. Of those admitted
to the Prisons Department's Drug Addiction Treatment Centres those
under 21 dropped from 13.8% in 1974 to 3.4% in 1980.
107.
The same trend is evident among adults. Since 1976, when
the methadone programme was greatly expanded, to the end of 1980,
has been a drop of 73% in the number of addicts in Prisons and a drop
of 84% in those charged with drug offences.
108.
Against this background of significant achievement,
:
complacency would be our worst enemy. This year's bumper crop of opium in the Golden Triangle has produced an abundant supply, and there
are plenty of signs of criminals trying to distribute it here including
the use of young people. To meet this threat law enforcement is being
stepped up and so far this year more drugs have been seized than in
the whole of last year. We will keep up our efforts, and we will continue to make progress, but the real answer to quick success lies
in enforcement in the Golden Triangle.
/Independent...