Public Order | 329
The department took sustained action to stamp out illicit fuel activities. In 2011, it solved 228 illicit fuel cases, arrested 288 people and seized 93 000 litres of illicit fuel. The number of seizures was 37 per cent less than that of 2010.
Anti-narcotics Operations
The department continues to take vigorous enforcement action to prevent and suppress the unlawful manufacture, distribution and trafficking of dangerous drugs; to trace, confiscate and recover drug proceeds from illegal drug activities; and to prevent the diversion of chemicals used for the illicit manufacture of dangerous drugs. It also maintains close co-operation and exchange of intelligence with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.
In 2011, the department dealt with 185 drug trafficking cases and smashed 11 drug storage and distribution centres. A total of 329 kilogrammes of assorted dangerous drugs were seized and 416 people arrested. The department mounted a series of operations against a major ketamine trafficking syndicate in the first quarter of 2011 and seized 27 kilogrammes of ketamine and arrested seven people. Co-operation with the Mainland and overseas Customs administrations resulted in the seizure of 10.6 kilogrammes of assorted dangerous drugs and 5.3 kilogrammes of controlled chemicals in the Mainland and overseas.
As part of the Government's vigorous efforts to combat youth drug abuse, the department strengthened enforcement at boundary control points by stepping up checks on cross-boundary coaches and private vehicles, deploying more detector dogs and plainclothes officers in operations, exchanging intelligence and mounting parallel operations with its Mainland counterparts. It also collaborates with non- governmental organisations to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and to lead a healthy life.
Anti-smuggling Operations
Smuggling carried out across the Hong Kong-Mainland boundary remains an enforcement concern. In 2011, a total of 167 Hong Kong-Mainland smuggling attempts were detected with the arrest of 213 people and the seizure of $615 million worth of smuggled goods.
Computer parts and electronic products were the main items smuggled into the Mainland. Cigarettes, which are cheaper in the Mainland, and counterfeit goods were often smuggled into Hong Kong.
The department continues to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling activities through exchange of intelligence and the mounting of parallel operations.
The department works closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for the detection and prevention of smuggling of food and animals.