XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 78

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Combating Drug Abuse

Tackling drug abuse, particularly by young persons, is a top-priority issue for the Government. Despite the drop in the number of newly reported young drug abusers from 1,600 in the first half of last year to 1,108 in the same period this year, there is no room for complacency; the total number of reported young drug abusers is still on a rising trend. Since the Governor's Beat Drugs Summit in March this year, we have pursued vigorously the commitments made in our Forward Action Plan, and the many constructive ideas suggested by the Summit participants. The second quarterly report on progress made in implementing these plans and suggestions will be published shortly; Honourable Members will then be able to see clearly how much we have done. But in response to some of the specific concerns expressed by Honourable Members, the Medical Council and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board are discussing possible new measures to further tighten control on malpractice and the illegal sale of drugs. To clamp down on the sale of soft drugs to young persons, the number of pharmacy inspections per month has been increased from 560 to 700, and a special task force to help prosecution of offending drug retailers has been set up. Maximum penalties for the illegal or improper sale of drugs by pharmacies have been raised recently. We have strengthened the Police Narcotics Bureau, and updated the legislation against the laundering of drug proceeds to enable better enforcement action against drug traffickers.

The Education Department has taken a series of steps to beef up preventive education, targeting not only the students but also their parents; it is also carrying out a programme of assistance and training to schools and teachers to enable them to perform their essential task of educating their students to stay away from drugs more effectively. The Social Welfare Department has also set up a team of specially trained social workers to help young drug abusers.

On the treatment and rehabilitation front, the Hospital Authority have established six substance abuse clinics this year. We are proceeding with the establishment of two additional residential treatment centres for young opiate abusers, and a new counselling centre in the New Territories for psychotropic substance abusers.

Honourable Members have welcomed the Beat Drugs Fund announced by the Governor in his Policy Address. This will provide a substantial additional source of funding for worthwhile anti-drug projects. All non-governmental organisations, including the religious rehabilitation agencies, will be able to apply to the Fund for project financing. I am confident that the cumulative effect of all these measures will have a considerable impact, and save more of our young people from the dangers of drug abuse.