ENG-1970 — Page 181

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PUBLIC ORDER

The majority (67.2 per cent) of persons arrested were adults, of whom there were 10,448, but there was an increase of 288 or 21.1 per cent in the number of juveniles prosecuted.

The Commercial Crime Office investigated a number of involved fraud, forgery and company offences, the most spectacular of which ended in the arrest of four persons and the seizure of over HK$7.7 million worth of forged US and Philippine currency together with printing equipment. There has been a marked increase in the number of commercial offences committed by international criminals.

The Narcotics Bureau in conjunction with District Dangerous Drug Squads continued to play a prominent role in combating drug offences and again made some large seizures during the year. A total of 31 lbs of heroin, 170 lbs of morphine and 877 lbs of raw opium were seized. The largest single seizure this year was one of 78 lbs 11 oz of morphine and 39 lbs of raw opium, the retail value of which was HK$2,300,000.

The General Investigation Office of the Criminal Investigation Department has devoted particular attention to offences involving Cannabis (more popularly known as marijuana or hashish) and abusive use of stimulant and depressant pills and drugs. Sixteen persons of non-Asian origin were successfully prosecuted for Cannabis offences. Nevertheless inquiries show that the use and abuse of 'pep pills', etc, is less widespread than it was first thought to be, and has not yet developed into a major social problem.

The Triad Society Bureau has succeeded in keeping triad activities in the Colony at a relatively low level, but gangs of youths given to violence and exhibiting quasi-triad characteristics pose a problem. During the year 960 triad offences were detected, as against 530 cases in 1969, and 875 persons were prosecuted, an increase of 408 over last year. Apart from triad offences, many of the offenders were also convicted of other crimes.

Crime committed by juveniles (i.e. those under 16 years of age) numbered 1,652, representing 10.6 per cent of the total number of persons arrested, as compared with 10.5 per cent in 1969. Juvenile first offenders may also be treated as 'discretion' cases and are referred to the Juvenile Liaison Section for follow up action. A