ENG-2005 — Page 402

348 Public Order

matches, providing important investigative leads to the Police. The Chemical Sciences Section works mainly on cases requiring chemical analysis and investigates suspicious fires. The Physical Sciences Section plays an important role in serious traffic accident reconstruction; for instance it provided court evidence after the 2003 bus accident on Tuen Mun Highway which killed 21 people and injured 20. Apart from managing crime scene attendance, the Scene of Crime and Quality Management Section is also responsible for ensuring sustained adherence to the prescribed work standards.

The Drugs, Toxicology and Documents Group comprises the Controlled Drugs A and B Sections, Forensic Toxicology A and B Sections and the Questioned Documents Section. In 2005, cases involving heroin and ketamine continued to constitute the largest proportion of submissions to the Controlled Drugs Sections. Submissions of psychotropic substances such as amphetamine-type stimulant tablets, cannabis, midazolam and nimetazepam were also significant. However, 2005 also saw an upsurge of cases involving cocaine. The Forensic Toxicology Sections continued to improve quality and efficiency by streamlining workflow, computerisation and automation. The Urinalysis Unit, for example, developed an instrumental technique to target and identify all abused drugs including cocaine metabolites in urine samples in a single analysis to help reduce operational cost and enhance output. In addition to routine handwriting and document examinations, the Questioned Documents Section also provides consultancy and scientific testing services for Hong Kong Smart Identity Cards and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passports.

Immigration Department

Immigration Control

The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry into the HKSAR. Through examination at control points and vetting of entry applications, undesirable persons including international criminals and terrorists are detected and denied entry. In 2005, 25 141 such travellers and 14 733 others not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land, and 2 547 applications for entry were refused.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Strict measures are taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents. Officers detected 2 334 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 2 521 in 2004. Frequent contact with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates was maintained to exchange information and intelligence on the use of such documents. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Wanted Persons

In 2005, 273 025 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected of being connected with trafficking in dangerous drugs and other criminal offences such as murder and robbery.

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