ENG-2020 — Page 306

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Public Order

Anti-narcotics Operations

The department takes vigorous enforcement action to prevent and suppress the unlawful manufacture, distribution and trafficking of dangerous drugs; to trace, confiscate and recover drug proceeds from illegal drug activities; and to prevent the diversion of chemicals used for the illicit manufacture of dangerous drugs. To combat cross-boundary drug trafficking, the department deploys officers and detector dogs flexibly to boundary control points to strengthen enforcement, and maintains close cooperation, exchanges intelligence and mounts joint operations with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies. A mechanism for communication and intelligence exchange with the logistics industry is in place to strengthen enforcement of the import and export of cargoes.

In 2020, the department dealt with 336 drug trafficking cases, smashed five storage and distribution centres and four manufacturing and attenuating centres, seized 3,530kg of assorted dangerous drugs' and arrested 198 people. Cross-boundary enforcement cooperation led to the seizure of 86kg of assorted dangerous drugs and the arrest of 21 people in the Mainland and overseas.

As part of the government's efforts to combat youth drug abuse, the department works with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and lead a healthy life.

Anti-smuggling Operations

In 2020, through air, land and sea channels, a total of 6,774 smuggling cases were detected and $3.315 billion worth of goods seized. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on passengers, as well as more stringent quarantine and monitoring measures for cross-boundary drivers, smugglers shifted to using air and sea cargo shipments and attempted to smuggle larger quantities of goods. The Customs and Excise Department strengthened its enforcement efforts against illicit air and sea cargoes accordingly.

The department continues to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling through intelligence exchange and joint enforcement operations.

Fire Services Department

The Fire Services Department fights fires and protects life and property in the event of fires and other calamities. The department also provides emergency ambulance services, and formulates and enforces fire safety policies and measures. It plans and builds fire stations and ambulance depots to cope with the territory's development and service needs, and to implement the government's policy of providing the fastest response possible to emergencies.

Its Fire and Ambulance Services Academy provides training services for the department, other public and private organisations as well as its Mainland and overseas counterparts.

Not including 4kg of khat, which contains substances subject to control under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

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