21
Wednesday, March 13, 1974
The document also forecasts stiffer penalties for those trading
in dangerous drugs. It says that although the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance
is proving a satisfactory piece of legislation to deal with offences
committed in connection with the illicit drug trade, there is a nood
to increase some of the penalties for engaging in it for profit. Therefore
an amending Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council.
The White Paper continues: "Many addicts need and should
continue to receive treatment. But there is no doubt that deterrent
sentences on offenders who profit, at whatever level, from the trade
could materially help to overcome the drug problem; and such sentences
are increasingly common elsewhere. The importance of the courts
role must thus be recognised, and all proper steps taken to enable thom
to play it".
There is also a warning that in the future Hong Kong could become
more implicated in heroin export. It says: "Some overseas critics consider
it already has, and have drawn attention to this. It is thus essential
that effective action be taken to safeguard against this danger".
It also warns of "the obvious risk that the abuse of factory-made
drugs (amphetamines and barbiturates) may spread; particularly as the supply
of opium products is reduced,
"Hong Kong should thus not shelter people from overseas who are
convicted of trafficking in, or abuse of, any drugs.
"The law provides for their removal in appropriate cases - a provision
which has been, and will continue to be, used where necessary.
In addition