ENG-2001 — Page 429

PUBLIC ORDER

proportion of persons reported to the Registry, abused psychotropic substances (37 per cent). The most common psychotropic substances of abuse included ketamine (16 per cent), 'ecstasy' (14 per cent), cannabis (8 per cent), and 'ice' (6 per cent). About 20 per cent of the drug abusers were reported to have abused more than one 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 Government's planning of anti-drug strategies and programmes. In 2001, two new projects were identified for implementation. Another six studies were carried forward, and four of them were completed during the year.

The computerised CRDA serves to monitor changes in trends and characteristics of the drug abuser population in Hong Kong, and maintains useful statistics. Two half- yearly reports on the drug abusers population and profiles were published. In 2001, a comprehensive review of the CRDA was conducted with a view to enhancing its effectiveness in monitoring the drug abuse trends.

International Action

Hong Kong continued to take a proactive approach in international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. To keep the HKSAR's anti-drug regime abreast of international developments, close links were maintained with the United Nations and 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 member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, Hong Kong's commitment in international efforts against money laundering is well recognised. As an open recognition of Hong Kong's achievements in combating money laundering, 'Hong Kong, China' was selected as the President of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering for the period July 2001 to June 2002. The Commissioner for Narcotics, as the central co-ordinator of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering efforts, represents Hong Kong in this role.

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

To share experience and expertise, anti-drug personnel took part in various international meetings, seminars, and workshops concerned with anti-drug policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.

The Beat Drugs Fund

To promote community efforts to beat drugs, the Government established a Beat Drugs Fund in March 1996 with a capital outlay of $350 million. Community-wide anti-drug activities covering preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation and research are within the fund's ambit. During the year, a total of

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