TNAG-0504-FCO40-569-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 144

G. F. 923 0003230

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profits from the trade increase from one stage of the operation to the next, there is no reason to suppose it is not a major factor here. In the circumstances, there are advantages in having two separate agencies to combat the trade.

34.

The conclusions thus reached are that the

Preventive Service

(a) should remain responsible for detecting the

import and export of dangerous drugs; and (b) should continue to mount land operations of

the kind which have been a successful feature of its anti-drug work during the past eighteen months;

provided

(e) effective arrangements are made for satisfactory

liaison on a continuing basis.

The proviso is of great importance, as the lack of such liaison could be very damaging: for instance, low-level operations might compromise long-term investigations directed against syndicates.

35.

To be effective, liaison needs to start with mutual trust at the top: the officers in charge of the two Services must exchange information freely enough to determine whether, and by whose officers, particular operations should be conducted. The Assistant Commissioner of the Preventive Service and the head of the Police Narcotics Bureau are now doing so. It is nevertheless the intention to make permanent arrangements to ensure that there is satisfactory liaison between the Police and the Preventive Service.

(c) Strength of the Narcotics Bureau.

36.

The Police are having to deal with a number of important and urgent tasks, particularly the upsurge in violent crime, at a time whend they face a serious (about 22%) manpower shortage. This inevitably limits the resources that can be devoted to the suppression of the illicit drug trade.

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