PUBLIC ORDER
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The work of the Trade Controls Group, another arm of the department manned by Industry Officer Grade officers, is described in the chapter on Industry and Trade.
Revenue Protection
There are seven groups of dutiable commodities in Hong Kong - hydrocarbon oil, intoxicating liquor, non-intoxicating liquor, methyl alcohol, tobacco, non-alcoholic bever- ages and cosmetics. The Customs and Excise Service is responsible for collecting and protecting revenue from dutiable commodities. The Dutiable Commodities Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export, manufacture, sale and storage of these commodi- ties throughout Hong Kong. In 1985-6, some $3,092 million was collected on dutiable commodities, compared with some $2,343.60 million in 1984–5.
Anti-Narcotics Operations
The service has a responsibility for the prevention and supression of illicit trafficking in narcotics and other dangerous drugs. It intercepts illegal imports and exports and takes action against drug manufacturing, trafficking and abuse in Hong Kong. The service co-operates closely with the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, overseas customs authorities and other law enforcement agencies.
During the year, 406 kilograms of opiate drugs and cannabis were seized, including 156 kilograms of heroin, 162 kilograms of heroin base, 56 kilograms of opium, and 32 kilograms of cannabis. In addition 77 355 tablets of assorted synthetic dangerous drugs, mainly methaqualone, were seized. A total of 1 439 people were charged with drug offences.
Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Protection
The service is responsible for protecting the copyright of literary, dramatic and musical works. While the problem of pirated sound recordings has been contained, illicit copying of motion pictures and television programmes and unauthorised photocopying of books remains a preoccupation. In 1986, the Copyright Division made 72 copyright investiga- tions, which resulted in 98 people being charged and the seizure of 161 pirated books, 19 photocopying machines, 918 pirated video tapes and 75 video recorders. In addition, as an offshoot of the division's activities in this field, 188 pornographic video tapes and 80 pornographic magazines were seized and 10 persons charged with offences under the Objectionable Publications Ordinance.
The department is also responsible for protecting industrial property rights. It investi- gates false and misleading descriptions of commercial goods under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, and infringements of industrial design copyright under the Copyright Ordin- ance. During the year, the Trading Standards Investigation Bureau and the Copyright Division made 1 724 investigations, resulting in 850 people being charged with offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and the Copyright Ordinance.
Independent Commission Against Corruption
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) entered its 13th year of operation. Its efforts to combat corruption in Hong Kong have been vigorously sustained, notwithstanding its notable success in eradicating syndicated corruption in the public service. One of the highlights of the year's successful operations was the smashing of a horse-race fixing ring dubbed the 'Shanghai Syndicate'. The commission's growing international reputation as a leader in the fight against corruption led to it being chosen as the host for the Third International Anti-Corruption Conference to be held in Hong Kong in November 1987.