TNAG-1610-FCO40-22132-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 123

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of

trafficking have

of drug

now

So

far as

Hong Kong

is

and drug addiction reached global proportions. concerned, they are being tackled vigorously and Our methods and success have received international recognition. Hong Kong is playing a leading role within the region in helping to co-ordinate international action against drug trafficking. It is particularly pleasing to

note that our close liaison with the Chinese authorities

in this field has significantly reduced the illegal import of mandrax.

143.

This is not to say that we do not have a local problem of drug abuse. We do. But we are containing it, particularly as regards heroin. We are also dealing firmly with the rising problem of the abuse of psychothropic substances.

144.

The enforcement of the law against illegal drug trafficking is also being pursued vigorously, both in relation to prosecutions and to the seizure of drugs. We

need to be able to strike more effectively at the

financial roots of the illicit drug trade. So new

legislation is now being drafted to give power to the courts to confiscate the proceeds of drug The Government intend to introduce it into

during the current session.

trafficking.

this Council

/(b)