PUBLIC ORDER
Police Force recorded some impressive results during operations to prevent psychotropic substances from reaching abusers, and quell abuse. A total of 39.49 kilograms of ketamine and 95 650 'ecstasy'-type tablets were seized. In 2003, a total of 1 770 persons were arrested for offences connected to ketamine and 639 were arrested in cases related to 'ecstasy'-type tablets. In a significant case, officers dismantled a fairly sophisticated 'ecstasy'-type tablet production enterprise based in Hung Hom, Kowloon. In operations targeting narcotic drugs, the Police Force seized a total of 40.17 kilograms of heroin and dismantled three heroin cutting centres. Officers also neutralised the operation of a large number of premises used as divans where heroin was sold and abused. Traffickers and abusers had switched to supplying and abusing narcotics in divans on account of stringent police enforcement at street-level 'black spots'.
In addition, the Police Force seized 215.61 kilograms of herbal cannabis, 4.3 kilograms of cannabis resin and 35.32 kilograms of methamphetamine (‘ice'). A small amount of gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), an illegally produced central nervous system depressant, was seized.
In 2003, the number of persons arrested for drug offences totalled 8 652, compared with 9 413 in 2002. Among those persons arrested, 1 081 were aged 16 to 20 years and 132 were aged under 16. Compared with 2002, there was a 23.1 per cent decrease in the number of arrested persons aged under 21.
Numerous complex financial investigations were conducted, either related to drug trafficking proceeds from local cases or to assist overseas law enforcement agencies. Throughout the year, the Narcotics Bureau continued efforts to enhance the Police Force's drug abuse prevention work, particularly the work aimed at young persons.
Crime Prevention
The Crime Prevention Bureau continued to provide a public advisory service and 29 445 security surveys were conducted for both the public and private sectors.
The bureau continued its educational role through campaigns and seminars, its call- fax and web page services and the deployment of the Robotcop and the crime prevention bus.
In 2003, a total of 320 000 leaflets on crime prevention were distributed to tourists from the Mainland, especially upon the commencement of the Individual Visitor Scheme and during the National Day 'Golden Week' holiday period in October.
Appeals through the media are regularly made to heighten public awareness of prevalent trends in street deception. For example, a radio programme alerted the public to the most prevalent modus operandi used by swindlers in targeting the elderly. The bureau also deals with the regular inspection of over 860 security companies. and provides briefings to new companies.
Criminal Information
The Criminal Records Bureau maintains criminal records on people convicted of certain criminal offences in local courts. In addition, the 'Enhanced Police Operational Nominal Index Computer System' contains information on wanted persons, missing persons, warrants of arrest issued by courts, and an index of persons convicted of serious arrestable offences, from whom DNA samples have been taken. The bureau also maintains central indices on stolen or missing vehicles, a
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