TNAG-1221-FCO40-1531-Annual-address-by-Sir-Edward-Youde--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--t-1983 — Page 64

ground as soon as possible.

An improved computer assist command and control system to replace the existing equipment should be in operation by 1988. The new equipment will be the hub of the beat radio system which has proved so effective. An integrated radio system for the joint use of the Marine Police, Royal Navy and other organisations concerned with maritime security is being set up, and should be finished by the end of

the year.

87.

(c) Narcotics

The

battle against drug trafficking and addiction is a hard and unceasing one. Despite the successes of the Police

and Customs in the first half of 1983 in seizing almost the

same amount of drugs they seized in the whole of 1982, the price of heroin on the streets has in recent months been

appreciably lower than in 1982. Supplies are all too

plentiful, and the increase in the number of newly reported

addicts which began in 1981 is continuing.

88.

In particular, the increasing involvement of young men

and women in drugs is disturbing. The number of those newly reported in the first half of 1983 was 589, an increase of 55% over the first half of 1982. Their average age when they first

used drugs was sixteen and a half. To counter this disturbing trend, several new courses of action recommended by the Action

Committee Against Narcotics are to be followed. Greater emphasis is to be given to preventive education in junior secondary schools; special attention is to be paid to the treatment of young first-time addicts and to their after-care; the help of parents in steering their children away from drugs will continue to be sought; and every encouragement will be given to young people to take part in recreational programmes and to follow other healthy activities.

to

4.

:

:

30

/ (a)

Immigration