TNAG-2460-FCO40-3581-Hong-Kong-annual-report-for-1992-1992 — Page 30

2.

for this offence.

smuggled

by

Since many of the vehicles stolen were

into China, it is hoped that the measures announced

the Chinese authorities on 6 October to control

right-hand-drive vehicles in China will help. To enhance anti-crime liaison between China and Hong Kong, the Chinese authorities have agreed to station two liaison officers in

Hong Kong.

The Anti-smuggling Task Force, set up in February 1991 to tackle increasing smuggling activities, continued to function effectively. In an attempt further to restrict smuggling activities, new legislation was introduced in May 1992 to prohibit the import and export of left hand drive vehicles and outboard engines exceeding 150 horsepower

without a licence.

As a result, smuggling by large speedboats with powerful outboard engines was contained.

5.

There were several serious incursions into Hong Kong waters, involving vessels with armed Chinese security personnel on board. These incidents were taken up with the

Chinese authorities.

6.

The level of illegal immigration into Hong Kong

remained uncomfortably high, though this was partly a reflection of the economic success of, and the shortage of

labour

in, Hong Kong. The figures for arrests were nearly

[40%] higher than the previous year. The daily average was [92] for the first nine months of the year. More than half of the work place arrests were on construction sites, and a focus of publicity and prosecution are the illegal immigrant traffickers who supply and 'protect' illegal immigrant labour particularly in the construction industry.

new

7.

Drug abuse remained a serious problem in Hong Kong. Although the proportion of Heroin abusers has reduced, increased abuse of Cough Medicine and other psychotropic particularly by young people, is causing conċern.

substances,

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