ENG-2020 — Page 313

16

Public Order

Narcotics Division

The Narcotics Division coordinates policies and measures to combat the drug problem. It also oversees anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures in two main areas: a declaration and disclosure system for the cross-boundary movement of large quantities of physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments; and outreach to designated non-financial businesses and professions, including lawyers, accountants, estate agents and dealers in precious metals and stones, to raise their awareness of relevant measures.

Anti-drug Strategy and Coordination

The government's multi-pronged anti-drug strategy involves preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, legislation and law enforcement, external cooperation, and research.

The Action Committee Against Narcotics advises the government on anti-drug policy and measures. Chaired by a non-official, it comprises 18 other non-official members from the medical, legal, education, media, business, community and social service sectors, and six official members: 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 arrangement with Singapore, the Director of Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau also sits on the committee.

Preventive Education and Publicity

The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 led the division to carry out some of its anti-drug education. and publicity initiatives online or through other means.

'Cannabis is a drug' was the division's main theme in anti-drug preventive education and publicity in 2020. In view of increased cannabis abuse among youngsters and the possible adverse impact on Hong Kong of legalisation of 'recreational cannabis' in some jurisdictions overseas, the division continued to provide correct information on the dangers of cannabis abuse to rectify misconceptions and counter the case for legalising 'recreational cannabis! Taking into account the latest drug trends, the division also continued to publicise the harmful effects of other prevalent drugs such as methamphetamine (commonly known as 'ice'), cocaine and ketamine.

The division's 24-hour hotline and instant messaging service 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.

The division works with the Education Bureau to support schools in conducting anti-drug education programmes for students and to provide professional training for school personnel, equipping them with the drug knowledge and skills to identify and offer early help to at-risk. students.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre is a focal point for promoting anti-drug education. Visitors include students, parents, youth groups and community organisations. Anti-drug

257