TNAG-1413-FCO40-1889-Future-of-Hong-Kong-annual-report-to-Parliament-on-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 315

32

104.

(b) Narcotics

The increasing involvement of young men and women in drugs, evident over the

the last two years, has thankfully been reversed. Overall, the number of newly reported persons under 21 years involved with drugs has decreased by over 28%, with only 425 reports in the first half of 1984. Several factors may account for this success.

105.

One is that Police and Customs Officers have succeeded in seizing record amounts of narcotic drugs. As a result, the price of heroin has at times been more than addicts could afford, leading to increasing numbers seeking treatment. No effort will be spared to encourage addicts to seek treatment and we are continually looking at ways of making our rehabilitation services more effective.

106.

At the same time, on

Narcotics, Against

the advice

preventive

of the Action

efforts

have

*

reaching on

Committee

concentrated

young secondary school students through instruction in the perils of drug abuse and through the combined help of parents, teachers and social workers. Special attention is being paid to the treatment of young first-time addicts and to the problem of drug addiction among females. The results are encouraging, but we must be constantly vigilant against those who would seek to profit from the vulnerability of our young people.

107.

(c) ICAC

The fight against corruption is a relentless one. On the preventive side, following the success of the Police Corruption Prevention Group established in August 1981, a

further

been 20 Departmental Groups have

with the aim

the eradicating corruption afforded by inadequate procedures.

year

of

established

opportunities

this

for

Reports

over

/the

A

Page 315Page 316