TNAG-0417-FCO40-463-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 55

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

G.F. 323

0003230

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APPENDIX IBI

time on their hands, to the bar girl, dance hostess sorority on the other who abuse these drugs to ease the tensions inherent in employment in a more seedy side of the entertainment industry. There are of course a good number of others who fall into neither of these categories. The danger with barbiturates is that they are physically addictive with a considerable degree of psycholo- gical dependence and tolerance develops with regular use, When barbiturates are taken in combination with heroin, alcohol or stimulants, either singly or severally and such cases are by no means unknown in Hong Kong then there is a grave risk that death will result.

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A credible case cannot be established to release from control those barbiturate drugs which are now subject to restriction under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap 138. Indeed, at the present time the emphasis is all the other way. The Deterrents Sub-Committee of A.C.A.N. is currently considering ways to improve control over the sale and distribution of barbiturate drugs in Hong Kong in order to prevent their

continued abuse. In this connection note is being taken of the

1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It is considered

that the Colony should adhere to the provisions of this Convention

in regard to matters of internal control even though the United

Kingdom has not ratified its signature up to the present time so

far as is known.

14.

It is not proposed to give any consideration as to

whether the consumption of hallucinogens for pleasure should be legalised since the abuse of these drugs (L.S.D. and the like) is so obviously injurious and bad that no useful purpose

would be served by doing so. In any case to remove these drugs

from control would be quite contrary to the letter and the spirit

of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances to which the

United Kingdom is a signatory. It is pleasing to be able to

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