TNAG-0418-FCO40-464-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 78

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL

For discussion

on 27th November 1973

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XCC(73)99

Copy No.

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THE PROBLEM OF NARCOTICS IN HONG KONG

Honourable Members will recall discussing earlier papers in the series about the illicit drug trade being prepared by the Commissioner for Narcotics. The first two, which were discussed in January, set out the background to the problem and examined external factors, making a number of recommendations for action by Her Majesty's Government in the international field. The third, which was discussed last month, covered internal organization in Hong Kong.

2

The fourth and fifth papers are now annexed.

3

Its

The fourth deals with the law and law enforcement. main aims are to suggest how the law should be strengthened, to examine sentences and their effect, and to review the respective responsibilities of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and the Preventive Service. It makes (in paragraph 45) the following recommendations:

(a) that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board be invited to advise as soon as possible on the best manner of controlling factory made 'dangerous drugs';

(b) that mandatory minimum sentences for drug offences

should not be introduced at the present time;

(c) that the sections of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance which deal with those engaged in the illicit trade should be added to Part I of the Schedule to the Corporal Punishment Ordinance (Chapter 222);

(d) that the upper limit on fines for major dangerous drugs

offences (trafficking and manufacturing) should be removed;

(e) that Crown Counsel should take every suitable opportunity

to remind the courts of the gravity of the drug problem and to emphasize that the trade can only flourish with low level help;

(f)

that drug offences other than major trafficking (importing) and manufacturing heroin should be taken to the District Court or Supreme Court: this applies particularly to divan keeping;

CONFIDENTIAL

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