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HEALTH

rehabilitation, research and international co-operation. While fully maintaining the emphasis on law enforcement and reducing supply, the government recognises the need for stronger action on reducing the demand for illegal drugs.

Effective law enforcement curtails illicit drug supply and induces drug abusers to seek treatment voluntarily. It also brings compulsory treatment to many who cannot otherwise be persuaded to seek help. A comprehensive range of treatment and rehabilitation services are provided to meet the different needs of drug abusers from varying backgrounds.

Preventive education and publicity programmes are organised on a territory-wide basis and at the local level to increase public awareness of the drug problem and to encourage people to adopt a drug-free lifestyle. Research studies are conducted on various aspects of the drug abuse problem and the findings facilitate the planning of suitable anti-drugs strategies and programmes. Co-operation at the international level, through exchange of information and experience as well as joint action against illicit trafficking, enhances the effectiveness of efforts in all these areas.

These anti-drugs efforts are co-ordinated by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), a non-statutory body which comprises both non-official and government members. It advises the government on anti-drugs policies and activities and is serviced by the Narcotics Division of the Government Secretariat, which is headed by the Commissioner for Narcotics.

Legislation and Law Enforcement

In March 1997, the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance was amended to provide for heavier sentences for adults who exploit young persons in the illegal drug trade. The amendment sends a strong and clear message, to drug traffickers and the public at large, that such exploitation of young persons is a serious crime.

The 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988 UN Convention) was extended to Hong Kong in May 1997. Parties to the 1988 UN Convention have been designated under the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance in June 1997 so that confiscation orders relating to the proceeds of drug trafficking made by those jurisdictions can be enforced in Hong Kong. To comply with the requirements of the 1988 UN Convention, the Control of Chemicals Ordinance was also amended in June 1997 by extending licensing control to the shipment of salts of 17 chemicals specified in its Schedules 1 and 2. In July 1997, the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 1994 was brought into operation to implement provisions of the 1988 UN Convention by dealing with narcotic offences at sea.

During the year, a review of the Drug Addicts Treatment and Rehabilitation Ordinance was undertaken, with a view to modernising its provisions taking into account the drug treatment and rehabilitation services provided by non-governmental organisations.

In 1997, vigorous law enforcement efforts produced considerable success in terms of seizures and arrests, both at home and overseas. The Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department seized some 170 kilograms of heroin, 1 133 kilograms of cannabis, 72 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 32 kilograms of cocaine, and substantial quantities of various narcotics, analgesics and tranquillisers. In all, 12 483 persons were arrested for various drug offences. Joint operations with overseas