PUBLIC ORDER
Research
Drug-related research studies are co-ordinated by the ACAN Subcommittee on Research. The findings of these studies yield valuable pointers to guide the formulation of the Government's anti-drug policy. In 2000, two new studies were identified for implementation. Another nine projects were carried forward, and five of them were 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 abuser population and profiles were published.
International Action
Hong Kong continued to take a proactive approach in international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. To keep Hong Kong's anti-drug regime abreast of international developments, close links were maintained with the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, Interpol, the World Customs Organisation, and individual governments.
As a member of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), as well as one of the founding members of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, Hong Kong's commitment in international efforts against money laundering is well recognised. This recognition is reflected by the selection of Hong Kong to assume the Presidency of the FATF in 2001-02. The Commissioner for Narcotics, being the central co-ordinator of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering efforts, will represent Hong Kong in this role.
In the face of increased transnational crimes, Hong Kong continued to support mutual assistance with other jurisdictions. By the end of the year, Hong Kong had entered into agreements with Australia, France, Italy, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Hong Kong had also signed bilateral agreements with Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United States and the United Kingdom on surrender of fugitive offenders.
To share experience and expertise, anti-drug personnel took part in 34 international meetings, seminars, and workshops concerned with anti-drug policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.
The Beat Drugs Fund
With $350 million as seed money, the Beat Drugs Fund continued to finance and promote worthwhile anti-drugs activities to help reduce the problem of drug abuse, particularly among the young, and to support community-wide programmes against drug abuse. During the year, 29 successful applications were allocated $16.6 million, including $2.69 million for research, $2.1 million for treatment and rehabilitation and $11.81 million for preventive education and publicity programmes.
Civil Aid Service
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) is a government auxiliary emergency service. It has an establishment of 3 634 adults, 3 232 cadets and a permanent staff of 120 civil
servants.
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