PUBLIC ORDER
141
The year has seen an increase in the number of crimes of violence such as robberies and serious assaults by young persons, many of them formed into gangs. The emergence of these gangs calls for continued police vigilance.
The Commercial Crime Office, besides investigating a number of complicated long term frauds, also prosecuted two cases of exporta- tion of gold without a licence, involving the confiscation of 40 kgs of gold. During the year a total of 251 reports were investigated by this office.
The Narcotics Bureau continued to play a leading role in combating drug trafficking and the Bureau made a number of large seizures. During the year a total of 411.047 lbs of morphine 10,449.179 lbs of raw opium and 22.044 lbs of heroin were seized. The two largest seizures at Kowloon City and on board a junk in the Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter had a total retail value of more than 18 million dollars. The General Investigation Office successfully prosecuted several persons who were involved in either trafficking, possession or smoking of the drug Cannabis (marijuana).
The year as a whole showed a slight increase in crime but with some excellent results in the breaking up of gangs of armed robbers, after protracted and complex investigation.
The reorganisation and expansion of the Anti-Corruption Branch, not only to cope with the expected increase in work should the law on corruption be revised to give investigating officers wider powers but also to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the branch, was considered during the year under review. The year was one of the most successful ever experienced by the branch. Publicity con- cerning the lengthened hours during which the branch's offices were open, the availability of personnel after these hours and the fact that reports were received in confidence anywhere and at any time to suit the convenience of the informant all helped to achieve a considerable increase in the number of reports by members of the public, many of which have resulted in successful prosecutions.
TRAFFIC
The increased industrial activity and rising standards of living in Hong Kong were reflected in the continued rise in the number of
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