ENG-1999 — Page 228

HEALTH

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Of these, 87 per cent were men and 13 per cent were women; 56 per cent were aged over 30 years, 29 per cent were between 21 and 30 and the remaining 15 per cent were under 21 years old.

Heroin was the most widely abused drug in Hong Kong, being used by some 87 per cent of reported cases. Some 8 per cent took cannabis, while 6 per cent favoured methylamphetamine and 5 per cent triazolam. 13 per cent claimed to have abused more than one type of drug.

Research

Drug-related research studies are co-ordinated by the ACAN Subcommittee on Research. The findings of these studies provide useful references to facilitate the planning of anti-drug strategies and programmes. In 1999, one study was identified for implementation. Another one was carried forward from the previous year. A series of measures was implemented to strengthen the monitoring of research studies. The computerised CRDA serves to monitor changes in trends and characteristics of the drug abuser population in Hong Kong. Statistics on drug abuser characteristics are compiled. Two half-yearly reports on the drug abuser population and profiles were published during the year.

International Action

Hong Kong continued to take a proactive approach in international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. To keep Hong Kong's anti-drug regime abreast of international developments, close links were maintained with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, Interpol, the World Customs Organisation, and individual governments.

As a member of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), as well as one of the founding members of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, Hong Kong's commitment in international efforts against money laundering was well recognised. In the Second Mutual Evaluation Report on Hong Kong's anti-money-laundering regime, which was formally adopted by FATF in June, Hong Kong's progress in improving its legislation, law enforcement efforts, and monitoring of the financial sectors were highly commended by FATF.

In the face of increased transnational crimes, Hong Kong continued to support mutual assistance with other jurisdictions. Up to the end of 1999, Hong Kong had entered into agreements with Australia, France, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Hong Kong had also signed bilateral agreements with Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United States and the United Kingdom on the surrender of fugitive offenders.

To enable cross-fertilisation of experience and expertise, anti-drug personnel took part in more than 33 international meetings, seminars, and workshops concerned with anti-drug policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.

The Beat Drugs Fund

With $350 million as seed money, the Beat Drugs Fund continued to finance and promote worthwhile anti-drugs activities to help reduce the problem of drug abuse,