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PUBLIC ORDER
During the year, the committee examined in detail 3 997 complaint cases embracing 6 045 separate points of complaints. In examining these cases, the committee also proposed a number of reviews of, and changes to, police practices, procedures and instructions with a view to improving the overall effectiveness of the complaints system and assisting the Commissioner of Police in minimising public complaints against the police.
Customs and Excise Department
The major component part of the Customs and Excise Department is the Customs and Excise Service, a disciplined and uniformed force of 2 633. Apart from law enforcement and revenue protection functions, the responsibilities of the service include the prevention and detection of illegally imported goods which are prohibited or restricted for public health or safety reasons or to meet international obligations.
Revenue Protection
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There are six groups of dutiable commodities in Hong Kong - hydrocarbon oil, alcoholic liquor, methyl alcohol, tobacco, non-alcoholic beverages and cosmetics. The Customs and Excise Service is responsible for collecting and protecting revenue on dutiable commodities. The Dutiable Commodities Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export, manufac- ture, sale and storage of these commodities. In 1986–7, a total revenue of $3,467 million was collected on dutiable commodities, compared with some $3,092 million in 1985-6.
Anti-Narcotics Operations
The service shares responsibility with the Police Force for the prevention and suppression 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 Police Force, overseas customs authorities and other law enforcement agencies.
During the year, 270 kilograms of opiate drugs and cannabis were seized, including 44 kilograms of No. 4 heroin, 86 kilograms of No. 3 heroin, six kilograms of heroin base, 86 kilograms of opium, and 48 kilograms of cannabis. In addition, 36 600 tablets of assorted synthetic dangerous drugs, mainly methaqualone, were seized. A total of 1 550 persons were charged with drug offences.
Anti-Smuggling Operations
The service carries out import and export controls at all entry points, and patrols Hong Kong waters. Import and export cargo not properly manifested and prohibited articles not covered by licences are liable to seizure. In 1987, the service detected 182 smuggling cases under the Import and Export Ordinance and arrested 242 persons with $21 million worth of goods seized. Of these cases, 87 per cent related to smuggling activities between Hong Kong and China. Seizures relating to import were mainly raw silk, Chinese herbs, frozen meat and antiques whereas those for export were textile piece goods, clothing and electrical goods.
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 problem. In 1987, the Copyright Division made 130 copyright investigations,