XN000022-1974-03-13 — Page 22

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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