ENG-1986 — Page 167

HEALTH

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In law enforcement, effective action by the police and customs resulted in 12 600 prosecutions being made in respect of drug offences in 1986. The year unfortunately saw another bumper harvest being reaped in the 'Golden Triangle', resulting in a continuing influx of illicit drugs into Hong Kong despite unrelenting law enforcement action. Drug prices thus remained low and were relatively stable throughout the year.

The methadone treatment programme which provides both maintenance and detoxifica- tion services on an out-patient basis caters for the majority of addicts who volunteer for treatment. Methadone maintenance is a long-term treatment approach intended to prevent an addict's return to illicit heroin or other forms of narcotic abuse, while detoxification is a short-term form of treatment aimed at eliminating the physical dependence on narcotics. At present, there are 24 methadone clinics operated by the Narcotics and Drug Adminis- tration Division of the Medical and Health Department.

The largest voluntary in-patient treatment programme is run by SARDA. The society operates two treatment centres, one for men and the other for women. The male centre, on the island of Shek Kwu Chau, has capacity for 500 patients, while the Women's Treatment Centre, in Wan Chai and in Sha Tin can handle 39 patients. Linked to these centres are three units for the intake of patients, five regional social service centres, six halfway houses, an employment placement office and a clinic which provides pre-admission medical ex- amination and methadone treatment, urine analysis and post-discharge medical care.

A compulsory treatment programme is operated by the Correctional Services Depart- ment under the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance. The ordinance provides for the sentencing of a drug dependent person, who has been found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment, to detention in a drug treatment centre. The department now runs two addiction treatment centres on the island of Hei Ling Chau, one for male adults and the other for young males under 21. The former has capacity for 938 and the latter 136. For the treatment of female addicts, a section of the Tai Lam Centre for Women is set aside for a maximum of 76 inmates. These treatment programmes range from two to 12 months, and all persons discharged are given one year of statutory after-care.

In 1986, the two voluntary treatment programmes and the Correctional Services Department's compulsory treatment programme admitted 15 300 addicts. On average, there were 15 500 addicts and ex-addicts receiving some form of treatment, rehabilitation and after-care every day.

Preventive education and publicity play an important part in Hong Kong's fight against drug abuse. Work in these areas is focused on heightening public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, promoting community involvement in tackling the problem, dissuading young people from experimenting with drugs or becoming involved in drug crime, and encouraging addicts to come forward for treatment. The objectives of the publicity campaign in 1986 were to publicise the treatment and rehabilitation facilities available and to encourage addicts to seek treatment.

Four district campaigns with community involvement were held. Among the events organised to drive home the anti-narcotics message were carnivals, concerts, variety shows, telematch games, soccer tournaments, dancing, film shows and exhibitions.

The major territory-wide event of the year was the Anti-Narcotics Variety Show held at the Hong Kong Coliseum on June 8. Some 7 000 youths from youth centres, schools, outreach social service agencies, and boys and girls' hostels attended the show. The two- hour programme highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and the significance of youth par- ticipation in the fight against drugs. The show was broadcast live on television, spreading the anti-narcotics message to an audience of three million throughout the territory.