ENG-2013 — Page 327

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Public Order

exchange of intelligence with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.

In 2013, the department dealt with 231 drug trafficking cases and smashed 10 drug storage and distribution centres and one drug manufacturing and attenuating centre, seizing 445 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs2 and arresting 442 people. Between August and October, the department foiled three significant drug trafficking attempts at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of 77 kilograms of cocaine, including the single largest haul of drugs (48 kg) seized from an individual passenger. In addition, co-operation with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of 42 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs in the Mainland and overseas.

As part of the government's vigorous efforts to combat youth drug abuse, the department strengthened enforcement at boundary control points by stepping up checks on cross boundary coaches and private vehicles, deploying more detector dogs and plainclothes officers in operations, exchanging intelligence and mounting parallel operations with its Mainland counterparts. It also collaborated with non-governmental organisations to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and to lead a healthy life.

Anti-smuggling Operations

Smuggling carried out across the Hong Kong-Mainland boundary remains an enforcement concern. In 2013, 232 Hong Kong-Mainland smuggling attempts were detected, with 221 people arrested and $511 million worth of smuggled goods seized. Computer parts, mobile phones and accessories were the main items smuggled into the Mainland. Cigarettes, which are cheaper in the Mainland, and counterfeit goods were often smuggled into Hong Kong.

The department collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling activities through exchange of intelligence and the mounting of parallel operations. The department works closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to detect and prevent the smuggling of food and animals.

Fire Services Department

The Fire Services Department (FSD) fights fires, protects life and property in the event of fires and other calamities, provides emergency ambulance services, and formulates and enforces fire safety policies and measures. The department has 9,347 uniformed and 695 civilian members and has well-trained personnel, advanced communications systems, and modern equipment and appliances.

Fire-fighting and Rescue

Of the 36,773 fire calls received in 2013, 11 were classified as major fires of No 3 alarm and above. Careless handling of lighted items or accidents in the process of cooking were the major cause of fires, accounting for 1,607 cases. Careless handling or disposal of lighted materials, such

2

Not including 312 kg of Khat which contained substances subject to control under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

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