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Legislative control
The supply of drugs is stringently controlled in Hong Kong. The illegal supply of dangerous drugs is subject to heavy penalties. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, medical practitioners, pharmaceutical wholesalers and retailers and pharmacies have to comply with strict requirements governing the procurement and supply of dangerous drugs. Medical practitioners may supply a dangerous drug in bona fide consultations, and are required by law to maintain complete records of purchase and supply. The unlawful supply of a dangerous drug is an offence with a maximum penalty on conviction on indictment of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years.
Other natural and synthetic psychoactive substances are also strictly controlled. The Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance provides for the registration and licensing of manufacturers, in retailers and the registration of pharmaceutical products. It also lists those substances which may be obtained only when prescribed by a doctor.
Few jurisdictions impose as stringent a control on the supply of psychotropic substances as does Hong Kong. Psychotropic substances of the benzodiazepine group, which include tranquillisers, were scheduled as dangerous drugs in 1992 in order to achieve the strictest form of control over them. In the United Kingdom, for example, there is no specific requirement for record-keeping or storage in relation to psychotropic substances.
In general, therefore, our legislation provides stringent control over drugs. We keep it under review to ensure it is up-to-date and effective. Where loopholes are identified, we take action to close them. Where the legislation needs to be strengthened, we spare no effort to do so.
Enforcement
Let me say that the battle against illicit drug traffickers and peddlers is an unending one but we will continue to do out best.
Vigorous law enforcement action against drugs is under taken by the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department, and the Department of Health. The first two agencies are primarily concerned with combating the manufacture, trafficking, and non-medical use of dangerous drugs.
In 1994, we have seen substantial increase in drug seized. For example, 446 kilograms of heroin was seized in 1994 as compare to 270 kilograms in 1993. 3,248 kilograms of herbal cannabis were seized in 1994 as compare to 547 kilograms in 1993. We have also seen an increase in arrests for drug related offences. 15,601 arrests were made in 1994 as compare to 12,794 in 1993. Arrests for major drugs offences, for example drug trafficking, manufacturing and peddling increased by 25 per cent in 1994.