TNAG-0820-FCO40-1027-Narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 236

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Export 9

Isolated instances of drugs leaving Hong Kong have arisen, however it is generally felt that Hong Kong is continuing to play a greatly diminished role in the export of narcotics. The price fluctuations of heroin, together with heavy pressure from enforcement agencies indicate an uncertainty of supply on the domestic market.

10 Amphetamine traffic to Japan has remained at a relatively low level with only occasional couriers being stopped en route to Tokyo at Hong Kong airport. Intelligence reports indicate that Hong Kong is merely a transit point in the flow of this type of stimulant drug.

Cannabis and its Derivatives

11 Only small quantities of this drug have been seized over the last six months, instances of abuse continue to occur around the bar areas amongst itinerant foreigners. Vessels transiting Hong Kong have also yielded small seizures, but in general this type of drug does not at the moment seem to appeal to the bulk of the local population of drug addicts.

Synthetic Drugs

12 On 1 July 1978, the laws regarding substances to be classified as synthetic drugs were extended to include a much wider list of items many of which were previously on sale in genuine pharmacutical shops.

Cases and Seizures

13 (a) Cases: During the 1st half of 1978 a total of 4,930 separate drug offences were detected resulting in 4,324 arrests and 3,448 convictions. Appendix I provides a breakdown of these offences.

(b) Seizures: Appendix II shows the quantities of dangerous drugs seized in the 1st half of 1978.

Prices (All expressed in Hong Kong Dollars)

14 The following were the prices of drugs on the illicit wholesale and retail markets at 30 June 1978.

(a) Wholesale:

Opium (Raw)

Tael $350

Ounce

Pound

$ 4,220

Kilogramme $ 9,290

Opium (Prepared)

$450

$ 5,430

$11,950

Morphine

$14,500

$31,900

No 3 Heroin

$1,000

$16,000

$35,200

(b) Retail (at street level):

Opium (prepared)

$625

$7,540

$16,578

No 3 heroin

$2,600

$41,600

$91,600

('Tael' is a local term equivalent to 37.7 grammes)

Average purity of No 3 heroin=-26%

Customs and Excise Service

15 During 1st half, 1978, 444 vessels were searched by Customs and Excise Service and guards placed on 792 others to deter smuggling. A total of 8,160 items of sea cargo and 19,460 postal packets were examined. 4,488 aircraft were searched and 15,430 items of air cargo examined.

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