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Public Order

report was submitted to the Chief Executive in June 2016 and tabled in the Legislative Council in November.

The enactment of the Interception of Communications and Surveillance (Amendment) Ordinance 2016 has strengthened the commissioner's powers. Specifically, the commissioner is now provided with an express power to require the production of interception products and covert surveillance products obtained by LEAS pursuant to a prescribed authorisation for his inspection.

Narcotics Division

The Narcotics Division coordinates policies and measures to combat the drug problem. It also oversees anti-money laundering measures in two main areas: the establishment of the R32 System, a reporting system on the physical cross-boundary transportation of large quantities of currency and bearer negotiable instruments; and the promotion of customer due diligence and record-keeping to designated non-financial businesses and professions.

Strategy and Coordination

The government adopts a five-pronged strategy in fighting drug abuse: preventive education and publicity; treatment and rehabilitation; legislation and law enforcement; external cooperation; and research.

The non-statutory Action Committee Against Narcotics advises the government on anti-drug strategies. Chaired by a non-official, it comprises 17 non-official members from the medical, legal, education, media, business, community and social service sectors, and six official members, namely the Commissioner for Narcotics and representatives from the Education Bureau, the police and the departments of Customs and Excise, Health, and Social Welfare. Under a reciprocal appointment arrangement with Singapore, the Director of Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau also sits on the committee. It has two subcommittees: preventive education and publicity, and treatment and rehabilitation.

Preventive Education and Publicity

In 2016, the division continued to adopt as its main theme for anti-drug preventive education and publicity 'Stand Firm! Knock Drugs Out!, a well-recognised slogan in the community. Taking into account the latest drug trend, the division focused on disseminating anti-drug messages to youngsters as well as young adults aged between 21 and 35, and on publicising the harmful effects of methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice. Two major year-round programmes were carried out: a new citywide campaign in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong was launched and a parental programme to promote parents' awareness of hidden youth drug abuse continued.

The division's '186 186' 24-hour hotline and instant messaging initiative '98 186 186; manned by professional social workers, provide convenient channels for people with drug problems to seek help early. Cases are referred to NGOs for treatment and rehabilitation as appropriate.

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