XN000022-1997-04-16 — Page 52

End

(b)

31

-

in

We have not carried out any study to ascertain public perception in relation to triads. Contrary to some impression that triad activities are prevalent, the ratio of triad involvement in overall crimes in the past five years has remained relatively stable at about 5%. Indeed, the measures part (a) have yielded encouraging results in combating triad activities. In 1996, there were a number of very successful anti-triad operations, for example, nine of the territory's largest loansharking were smashed. The number of triad-related crimes, including blackmail, intimidation, wounding and serious assault and unlawful societies offences dropped by 21% when compared with 1995. To tackle the perception problem, we will continue with our publicity efforts to allay public concern in this area through every opportunity, such as regular reports on crime situation to the Fight Crime Committee, District Boards, District Fight Crime Committees and the media as well as close liaison with members of the public by our Police Public Relations Officers at the district level.

Study on female drug addiction problem

Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong Wai-yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is learnt that the Government-commissioned study on the female drug addiction problem conducted by the Department of Psychology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong was completed in the latter part of last year. Will the Government inform this Council of

(a)

(b)

the findings and recommendations of the above study and how the Government will implement those recommendations;

the number of female drug abusers in the territory in each of the past three years, and whether these figures indicate a rising trend in the number of female drug abusers; and