IN CONFIDENCE
METHADONE TREATMENT
17.
Methadone treatment statistics are a very accurate gauge of the availability of heroin at street level. Fluctuations in the retail value of heroin have been mirrored in the daily attendance rates at methadone clinics, and the overall decreasing attendance figures are yet another indicator of the large amounts of relatively cheap supplies of heroin available, although the downward trend was reversed in the last quarter of 1985.
18. There was an increase of 16% in the average daily attendance in the last quarter of 1985 (8 695) compared with the previous quarter (7 499). The number of effective registations increased by 13% from 10 759 at the end of September 1985 to 12 199 at the end of December 1985. The number of attendances on 31 December 1985 was 8 860 compared with 7 574 on 30 December 1984.
NON-OPIATE DRUGS
Cannabis
19. Cannabis is possibly the most widely abused of the psychotropic substances. In Hong Kong it is principally abused by the expatriate population but there is evidence of its growing popularity amongst the local Chinese. Previously, Pakistan, India, and Thailand were the principal source countries. However, the Philippines and Thailand have now emerged as the principal sources of Hong Kong. 20. The abuse of cannabis has seen the predicted growth in Hong Kong in 1985, albeit a small problem when compared with heroin abuse. There are indications that cannabis is now available in many discotheques and bars in the Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai areas and it is becoming increasingly popular among lower middle class Chinese youths aged from 18-25 years who frequent such establishments, in addition to the longer term expatriate abuse that has existed for some time. The Police and Customs seized a total of approximately 150 kilograms of herbal cannabis and 16.5 kilograms of cannabis resin and oil during 1985 and prosecuted 124 persons for cannabis related offences. There were two significant cannabis cases during the year, one involving the discovery by Police of 333 young cannabis plants and seedlings at two clearings in Sai Kung in November, and the other in December involving the seizure by Customs Officers of 126 kilograms of herbal cannabis concealed inside electronic games machines which had been imported from the Philippines through the Kwai Chung Container Terminal.
Methaqualone
21. Methaqualone, in the form of copy 'Mandrax' tablets, continue to be illegally imported into Hong Kong from China. Mandrax tablets are popular with bar-girls, nightclubs hostesses and prostitutes but there is evidence of increasing interest and experimentation among young people. It is classified in Hong Kong as a Dangerous Drug. Prices are commonly HK$6-9 per tablet.
Quinalbarbitone
22. Quinalbarbitone, in the form of copy 'Seconal' capsules, also continue to be illegally imported from China and are popular with the same groups as Methaqualone. Quinalbarbitone was upgraded to a Dangerous Drug during 1985 because of the increasing abuse and overdose deaths related to this drug. Prices are commonly HK$5–8 per capsule.
Amphetamines
23. There is no known abuse of amphetamines in Hong Kong. However, amphetamines do transit. Hong Kong illegally, destined mainly for Japan and U.S.A. although the origin of the drugs has not been proven. On 2 September 1985 10.5 kilograms of Methylamphetamine was seized at Kai Tak airport from two Japanese couriers about to depart for Hawaii.
Cocaine
24. There is no substantial abuse of cocaine in Hong Kong at this time. Cocaine, if available, is very expensive in Hong Kong, prices of $500 to $1,500 per gram have been quoted, and it is normally only available to the wealthy playboy and homosexual communities. Only one substantial case, in which approximately 60 grams of cocaine hydrochloride was seized, was detected in 1985 and this case attracted considerable attention when the Court of Appeal ruled that cocaine should be regarded as a 'hard' drug and imposed a two year custodial sentence in place of a suspended sentence.
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IN CONFIDENCE
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