XN000022-1995-02-22 — Page 67

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Reply:

Mr President:

The Government is indeed very concerned at the rising trend of young people involved in drug abuse and drug offences. An important factor contributing to the recent increase in drug offences is the increased supply from drugs- producing areas. Vigorous enforcement and interdiction action is being undertaken. But enforcement action alone is not enough.

The Government's long-term policy to combat the problems of drug addiction and drug offences takes a multifaceted approach:

(a) Legislation and Enforcement

Our policy is to have in place the necessary legislation to combat drug offences, and to keep them up to date. Our enforcement agencies, including the Police, Customs and Excise Department and the Department of Health, take vigorous action to detect and prosecute offenders, and to clamp down on the illegal supply of drugs in Hong Kong.

(b)

Treatment and Rehabilitation

A wide range of both mandatory and voluntary programmes for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and substance abusers is provided in Hong Kong. These programmes are operated by the Correctional Services Department, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers, the Hong Kong Christian Service and a variety of voluntary groups.

(c)

Preventive Education and Publicity

Our aim is to inculcate in our young people a healthy and positive attitude to life, and to encourage them to resist the temptation to take drugs. This is done through a variety of education and publicity programmes and material. The Education Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Information Services Department, district- based organisations, voluntary agencies, schools and the media all contribute towards our joint effort.

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