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HEALTH
In law enforcement, effective action by the police and customs resulted in 12 400 prosecutions being made in respect of drug offences in 1985. The year unfortunately saw the fifth successive bumper harvest being reaped in the 'Golden Triangle', resulting in a continuing influx of illicit drugs into Hong Kong. Drug prices thus remained low and were relatively stable throughout the year.
The methadone treatment programme which provides both maintenance and detoxifica- tion services on an out-patient basis caters for the majority of addicts who volunteer for treatment. Methadone maintenance is a long-term treatment approach which is intended to prevent an addict's return to illicit heroin or other forms of narcotic abuse, while detoxification is a short-term form of treatment aimed at eliminating the physical dependence on narcotics. At present, there are 24 methadone clinics operated by the Narcotics and Drug Administration Division of the Medical and Health Department.
The largest voluntary in-patient treatment programme is run by SARDA. The society operates two treatment centres, one for men and the other for women. The male centre, on the island of Shek Kwu Chau, has a capacity of 500 patients, while the Women's Treatment Centre, in Wan Chai, can cater for 30 patients. Linked to these centres are three units for the intake of patients, five regional social service centres, four halfway hostels, two out- patient clinics and an employment placement office.
A compulsory treatment programme is operated by the Correctional Services Depart- ment under the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance. The ordinance provides for the sentencing of a drug dependent person, who has been found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment, to detention in a drug addiction treatment centre. The department now runs two addiction treatment centres on the island of Hei Ling Chau, one for male adults and the other for young males under 21. The former has a capacity of 882 and the latter 146. For the treatment of female addicts, a section of the Tai Lam Centre for Women is set aside to cater for a maximum of 76 inmates. These treatment programmes range from four to 12 months, and all persons discharged are given one year of statutory after-care.
In 1985, the two voluntary treatment programmes and the Correctional Services Department's compulsory treatment programme admitted 17 700 addicts for treatment. On average, there were 14 500 addicts and ex-addicts receiving some form of treatment, rehabilitation and after-care every day.
Preventive education and publicity plays an important part in Hong Kong's fight against drug abuse. Work in this area is focused on heightening public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, promoting community involvement in tackling the problem, dis- suading young people from experimenting with drugs or becoming involved in drug crime, and encouraging addicts to come forward for treatment. The objectives of the publicity campaign in 1985 were to draw public attention to drug pushers and the destruction they cause to people's lives and to encourage the public to report drug-peddling activities.
Six district campaigns with community involvement were held. Among the events organised to drive home the anti-narcotics message were concerts, variety shows, sports tournaments, fun fairs, film shows and exhibitions, as well as competitions in essay writing, poster and slogan design, painting and singing.
The major territory-wide event of the year involved the mutual aid committees of densely populated districts. More than 100 000 persons took part in a series of anti-drug activities including a concert, film shows, quiz contests and exhibitions. There activities were aimed at urging parents to ensure their children did not get involved in drugs and calling upon members of the public to report drug pedlars.