XN000022-1974-01-07 — Page 10

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Monday, January 7, 1974

FOUR-PRONGED ATTACK NEEDED AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

Real progress in reducing the problem of narcotics addiction

in Hong Kong hinged on success in four inter-connected fields, the Governor,

Sir Murray MacLehose, said today.

He told the inaugural meeting of the recently reconstituted

Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) that success was needed in:

Reducing the amount of opium grown in producing

countries;

Interdicting shipments of opium and its derivatives

smuggled into Hong Kong from these countries;

Interdicting distribution of these drugs in Hong Kong;

and

Preventing and curing drug addiction in Hong Kong.

We can do something in the first two fields, but clearly our

main effort must be in the last two, which are within our jurisdiction,"

Sir Murray said.

"Nevertheless, all are inter-dependent.

Success in interdiction

will be shortlived and even might have serious social consequences if not

coupled with adequate facilities for cure.

"Facilities for cure will not be much used if cheap and abundant

supplies of drugs are available."

/Sir Murray

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