TNAG-0504-FCO40-569-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 200

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Narcotics Secretariat

47.

A small Narcotics Secretariat, headed by the Commissioner for Narcotics, is being established in the office of the Secretary for Security. It will incorporate the Narcotics Division which was formerly a part of the Secretariat for Home Affairs and will service A.C.A.N.,

providing it with administrative muscle. It will monitor

the implementation of Government policy and decisions.

Its responsibilities will include the international

aspects of the drug trade, matters concerned with the law and related procedures, education and publicity

about dangerous drugs, community involvement, and liaison and co-ordination with voluntary agencies. It will be

closely connected with the development of addict treatment programmes, in conjunction with the Narcotics and Drugs

Administration Division in the Medical and Health

Department.

CONCLUSION

48.

It is a major object of Government to stop the illicit trafficking of drugs into and through Hong Kong and to eradicate drug abuse from the community. The problem falls into four major parts. First is the illicit production of opium. This leads to the extensive clandestine traffic from the growing areas to places of embarkation, and thence to Hong Kong. Next follows internal distribution, manufacture, sale and consumption, creating the fourth and ultimate problem of many thousands

of addicts.

49.

Over the first, and to a great extent the

second, Hong Kong has no jurisdiction. The need is for international action and the closest possible co- operation between the Governments concerned. In this

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