TNAG-0504-FCO40-569-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 183

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

G. F. 323

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CONFIDENTIAL #B

INTRODUCTION

1.

The principal drugs of abuse in Hong Kong are opium and heroin, the latter often being mixed with barbitone (which is also classed as a dangerous drug) before it is inhaled. This White Paper is concerned primarily with them. It also deals briefly with cannabis, the amphetamines and the barbiturates: at present far less often abused, they cause a more limited problem. For simplicity, a person who abuses dangerous drugs is referred to throughout as an addict.

2.

On 11th November, 1959 a White Paper was laid before Legislative Council entitled 'The Problem of Narcotic Drugs in Hong Kong'. It concluded that drug addiction was then one of Hong Kong's greatest social and economic problems. The strategy recommended was a three pronged drive against the sources of supply, against traffickers and against addiction, coupled with a campaign to enlist public support and co-operation as no campaign against drugs could hope to succeed without this.

THE PAST DECADE

The Treatment of Addicts

3.

Much has been done since 1959 to devise and introduce programmes for the treatment of addicts. These can be divided into two main groups: prisons and voluntary.

4.

Drug addiction amongst men awarded custodial sentences had been a major problem for the Prisons Department for many years before then: in the 1950's over 90% of those entering prisons were addicted to drugs. (The present figure is 75%; and half the prison population is in custody for drug offences).

The need

CONFIDENTIAL ## 機密

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