Police-1958-1959 — Page 42

existent in the areas patrolled by police dogs during the hours that the dogs have operated.

POLICE DRUGS DISPOSAL UNIT

156. On the 15th January, 1958, following the recommendations of a Government Committee, the Police Drugs Disposal Unit was established. This Unit is responsible for the reception, storage and subsequent destruction of all dangerous drugs which are ordered con- fiscated by the Courts. The maintenance of detailed and accurate records is an important function. Since its inception the Unit has handled 8,159 items.

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFIC

157. The Assistant Commissioner in charge of C.I.D., Mr. R. V. F. Turner, attended the International Seminar on Illicit Drug Traffic held in Paris from 9th - 28th March, 1959, under the auspices of the Interna- tional Criminal Police Organization in co-operation with the United Nations.

158. During the Seminar, Mr. Turner gave a talk on the problems of Drug Addiction and Traffic in Hong Kong.

PART V

TRAFFIC

VEHICLES REGISTERED

159. 3,320 more vehicles were registered during the year; the total at the end of the year was 37,777. A comparative table showing figures for the last five years is at Appendix VIII.

ROAD ACCIDENTS

160. There were more accidents during the year owing to the increase in the number of vehicles and drivers on the roads plus a large but unknown increase in population. As congestion continues to increase, accident statistics can be expected to become more depressing. Compara- tive figures over the last three years are as follows:

Fatal

Serious Injury

Slight Injury

Damage only

Total

1956/57 1957/58 1958/59

123

122

154

663

763

1,086

3,501

4,024

4,517

7,479

7,734

8,166

11,766

12,643

13,923

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