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55. On 1st March 1975, acting on information, officers of the Narcotics Bureau raided a godown in Pun Shan Street, Tsuen Wan. On the second floor of the godown, 40 jerrycans containing a total of 728 litres of acetic anhydride were discovered, manifested as 'chemical plating substance'. ing the seizure, the proprietor's residence in Yan Ping Road, Hong Kong, was raided, and the proprietor Chinese male PAK Yok-lin (4101/3768/7792) was arrested. A search of the flat revealed 25 kilogrammes of Ephedrine Hydrochloride, which is a Part I Poison. PAK was charged with Possession of Part I Poison. He pleaded guilty and was fined HK$250.
56. The 40 jerrycans of acetic anhydride formed the majority of a shipment of 75 jerrycans, and represented the largest single seizure of the chemical ever made by the Narcotics Bureau. Exhaustive enquiries failed to locate the 'missing' 35 jerrycans which formed the remainder of the consignment.
57. Acetic anhydride is an essential chemical in the manufacture of heroin. Although attempts have been made to illegally manufacture the chemical in Hong Kong, the majority of the acetic anhydride seized in the Colony has been exported from Japan and illegally diverted into Hong Kong whilst in transit.
58. With the introduction of the Acelylating Substances (Control) Bill, expected to become law before the end of 1975, acetic anhydride will come under stringent control, with penalties for illegal possession, sale and manufacture of the chemical being comparable with those for the equivalent Dangerous Drug offences under the present Dangerous Drug Ordinance.
(TW/RB/X3286/75)
59. The arrest on 12th November 1974 of NG Sik-ho (0702/6932/6275) and 9 members of his drug syndicate was reported in the Narcotics Bureau Bulletin 2nd half 1974. On 14th May 1975 NG Sik-ho, and NG Chun-kwan another syndicate boss, were found guilty in respect of charges relating to the import and sale of approximately 36 tons of raw opium and 1.75 tons of morphine, they were sentenced to 30 years and 25 years imprisonment respectively. Seven other defendants were given sentences ranging from 7 to 15 years.
60. The 30 year sentence passed on NG Sik-ho is the highest single jail sentence awarded by the Courts of Hong Kong for any offence.
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