TNAG-0418-FCO40-464-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 139

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CONFIDENTIAL # #

Commission on Narcotic Drugs

174/8/11

Ad Hoc Committee on the Illicit Traffic in the Far East Region

List of subjects proposed for discussion as appropriate with the Governments of the countries to be visited in

October/November, 1973

Legal production of opium

1. There is no opium production at all in Hong Kong, licit or

illicit. The cultivation of opium poppies is prohibited by law and none are cultivated. No case has came to light for many years.

2. See above.

Control of opium and opiates

3. A complete set of the laws of Hong Kong governing the control

of all dangerous drugs opiates, cannabis and psychotropic substances - has been given to the Committee.

The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134, will be subject to some minor amendments during 1974 to increase its effective- ness, but generally speaking it is a satisfactory law for its purpose.

Serious consideration is being given either to incorporating those psychotropic substances which are the subject of abuse in Hong Kong into the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap 134, as a 'Part', or enacting a new Ordinance to control them, probably the latter. At present they are mostly included in the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap 138, but this is not satisfactory because the law was enacted for purposes other than controlling drugs of abuse. Action is likely to be completed on this during 1974.

4. The laws referred to above are enforced by the Medical and

Health Dept., the Police Force and the Preventive Service and the laws reflect the United Kingdom's treaty obligations.

Control of psychotropic substances

5. The abuse of these substances in Hong Kong is minimal when

compared to the opiates. Ratification of the 1971 Convention is a matter for the United Kingdom Government. However, it is Hong Kong's intention to adhere to the spirit of this Convention in regard to any new law, or laws, which may be enacted to better control psychotropic substances. (See paragraph 3 above). This is basically the position now within the framework of the existing laws.

Illicit production and/or manufacture of opium, opiates, and/or

cannabis

6. Raw opium is converted into prepared opium for smoking in

large quantities in Hong Kong. Similarly large quantities of crude morphine substances are transformed into heroin,

/mostly

CONFIDENTIAL

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