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Public Order
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 2012, the department dealt with 214 drug trafficking cases and smashed three drug storage and distribution centres, seizing 1,408 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs' and arresting 433 people. The department also mounted a series of anti-narcotics operations and seized 412 kilograms of ketamine and 649 kilograms of cocaine in May and July respectively. Co-operation with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of 265 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs 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 collaborated 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 2012, 178 Hong Kong-Mainland smuggling attempts were detected, with 181 people arrested and $307 million worth of smuggled goods seized. Computer parts, mobile phones and accessories 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 collaborates 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 to detect and prevent the smuggling of food and animals.
Narcotics Division
The Security Bureau's Narcotics Division (ND) co-ordinates policies and measures to combat the drug problem. It also oversees measures on anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism through the detection of physical cross-boundary transportation of currency and bearer negotiable instruments and through the regulation of designated non-financial businesses and professions on customer due diligence and record-keeping requirements.
Overall Strategy and Co-ordination
The Government adopts a five-pronged strategy in the fight against drug abuse. It involves preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, legislation and law enforcement, external co-operation, and research.
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Not including 900 kg Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) and 1,090 kg Khat seized in 2012 which contained substances subject to stringent control under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
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