TNAG-0418-FCO40-464-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 89

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the public become apathetic believing that Government is not tackling the problem seriously; and offenders (or potential offenders) are not deterred.

19.

There is also an international aspect of the matter. The possible consequence if convictions for serious offences lead to far lighter sentences here than are usual elsewhere in South East Asia and the Far East is that Hong Kong may become increasingly attractive as a base for heroin manufacturers and international traffickers engaged in a business where the profits can be enormous.

20.

Hong Kong is a major importer of illegal raw opium and morphine base: perhaps as much as 50 tons of the former and 10 of the latter annually. And there are already (as explained in previous papers in this series) good grounds for anticipating that Hong Kong may assume a more prominent role in the heroin export traffic to the United Kingdom, to the North American continent and else- where. Such a development would be most unwelcome and could be damaging. All possible action to safeguard against it needs to be taken.

21.

One necessary line of action is to examine sentencing policy. This is rightly a matter for the Courts. But many of those engaged in the illicit drug business for gain now tend to regard the fines ordinarily imposed upon conviction as an additional (and not especially burdensome) overhead expense. Moreoever, even the hirelings like divan keepers and petty traffickers are essential to the illicit drug trade: the major organisers do not themselves, and are not going to, run the risk of coming into physical contact with their products. So if the sentences imposed on the hirelings were regularly more severe, the effect on the trade could be significant.

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