PUBLIC ORDER
344
implemented in phases, having regard to factors such as availability of resources and complexity of the issues involved. The ACAN will assist in monitoring the progress in their implementation.
Legislation and Law Enforcement
To fulfil its international obligations under the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Hong Kong enacted the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance and the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance which provide for the tracing, freezing, confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of drug trafficking as well as for action against laundering of drug money.
In July, the Drug Trafficking and Organised Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance was enacted to further enhance the effectiveness of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering regime through amendments to the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance and the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance. These amendments will come into effect on January 1, 2003.
Since the enactment of the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance in 1989, assets valued at $372 million have been confiscated, and paid to the Government. By year-end, assets amounting to $1,170 million were under restraint. In addition, $112 million had been ordered to be confiscated and was pending recovery from defendants.
The amendment to the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance to bring dance parties at unlicensed premises under its ambit was passed by the Legislative Council in November. Consequently, a revised Code of Practice for Dance Party Organisers was issued by the Narcotics Division. The revised code provides the trade with updated guidelines for provision of safe and crime-free dancing events, including safeguards against drug abuse.
The law enforcement agencies, i.e. the Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department, continued to step up their efforts in combating drug-related crimes. Psychotropic substance trafficking and abuse were targeted with intelligence-led operations and coordinated region-wide operation. Both agencies made maximum use of the liaison channels with their overseas counterparts in their anti-drug efforts and some impressive results have been achieved. Cooperation with Guangdong Province and Macau has been strengthened through the stepping up of parallel law enforcement, sharing of intelligence, and exchange activities.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Hong Kong adopts a multi-modality approach in providing treatment and rehabilitation services to cater for the different needs of drug dependent persons from varying backgrounds.
The main types of drug treatment and rehabilitation include a compulsory drug treatment programme operated by the Correctional Services Department, a voluntary out-patient methadone programme provided by the Department of Health, and voluntary residential programmes run by non-governmental organisations including Christian therapeutic drug treatment agencies. Medical and psychiatric treatment for psychotropic substance abusers is provided by six substance abuse clinics under the Hospital Authority. There are also three Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers targeting habitual and occasional psychotropic substance abusers.