THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1988
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HK'S ROLE IN COMBATTING INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING
HONG KONG HAS A LONG RECORD OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION AND SUCCESS WITH U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN FIGHTING DRUG TRAFFICKING, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL
THOMAS, SAID IN WASHINGTON YESTERDAY (MARCH 2, WASHINGTON TIME).
SPEAKING BEFORE A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING OF LEADING INTERNATIONAL JURISTS AND NARCOTIC EXPERTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE FOR A DRUG FREE AMERICA, MR THOMAS SAID HONG KONG LAW MADE PROVISION FOR TRACING ILL-GOTTEN GAINS.
EVIDENCE CRIMINAL IN A
"A HONG KONG COURT MAY COMPEL A BANK OFFICIAL TO GIVE AND PRODUCE DOCUMENTS RELATING TO BANK ACCOUNTS RELEVENT TO PROCEEDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN OR ARE LIKELY то BE INSTITUTED FOREIGN JURISDICTION," HE SAID.
BANKING
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, HONG KONG'S BANKING SYSTEM IS PROTECTIVE, BY WAY OF 'SECRECY' PROVISIONS, THAN THE OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS," HE ADDED.
NO MORE SYSTEMS
MR THOMAS SAID HONG KONG WAS CURRENTLY DEALING WITH 20 SUCH REQUESTS FROM THE U.S., SIX OF THEM CONCERNING DRUG-RELATED MATTERS.
IN THE LAST THREE YEARS HONG KONG HAD PROCESSED SIX EXTRADITION REQUESTS FROM THE U.S. INVOLVING DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENDERS,
"HONG KONG IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL WAR AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING, HE SAID.
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"WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON A DRAFT OF A MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TREATY WITH THE U.S. AND SUPPORTIVE LEGISLATION, WHICH WILL FURTHER ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS WE ALREADY HAVE TO DEAL WITH DRUG-MONEY LAUNDERING.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG AND U.S. POLICE AND CUSTOMS AGENCIES CO-OPERATED INFORMALLY IN THE EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION ON DRUG TRAFFICKING.
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