RECENTLY two special agents from the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Asian Heroin Task Force presented awards to three Hong Kong drug busters in recognition of their work during a joint operation against a Hong Kong Chinese heroin syndicate based in New York with direct links to Thailand.

They are SP Gavin Brown (formerly SO OPS 2NB and now Staff Officer to the Commissioner of Police), SIP Yam Wai-kwok and SIP Kenny Wright from the Narcotics Bureau.

The joint operation resulted in the arrest of 22 men in the US and Thailand and the seizure of 30 kilograms of heroin in New York.

Twenty men were arrested in September of 1996 during a series of bogus purchases by FBI officers in New York. The other two Hong Kong men were arrested in Thailand in January, 1997. All of them have been charged with drug offences.

The prestigious awards were given in recognition of the three officers "leadership and co-ordination of Hong Kong Police resources reflecting the highest standard of international law enforcement co-operation."

The community has high expectations of police officers and they rely on their professionalism, commitment and discipline to ensure that Hong Kong remains one of the safest metropolises in the world, Mr Li said at a passing-out parade at the Police Training School in which 28 inspectors and 86 police constables graduated.

"It is encouraging to note that the overall crime rate for 1997 followed the downward trend of the past few years and reached its lowest level in 24 years," he said. The Chief Justice said that although Police officers and judges had different responsibilities, everyone of them upheld the cardinal principle of the rule of law.

"Judges apply the law without fear or favour. Police enforce the law in the same spirit . . . It is important that our law enforcement agencies are, and are seen to be, fearless and to have the highest integrity," he continued.

Mr Li told graduating officers that they would have extensive interaction with members of the public and would face stressful and difficult situations in their course of work, reminding them to be courteous and firm, calm, decisive and brave in order to win themselves and the Force the respect and confidence of Hong Kong people.

"As we progress into the next millennium, I can see the Force going from strength to strength with high standards of integrity and efficiency," he said.

Mr Li called on the graduating officers to make the best use of opportunities to learn and to improve, perform and to contribute.

"Learning is a life-long process which continues long after your graduation from the Training School. As a modern organisation, the Police Force provides a wide range of in-service training. It is important to continue to strive for betterment and for excellence," he said.

Having served in the Marine Region for over 19 years, Chung Chi-wai, the elder brother, was a station sergeant when he was recommended to join the selected appointment scheme because of his exceptional record of service. Under the scheme, officers who are selected must be in the rank of station sergeant for at least five years and pass the Government Intermediate One English examination. They must then take a 13-week training course which includes advanced English, professional studies with an emphasis on law, management, leadership and physical training.

His younger brother, Chung Chi-chuen has been a uniform officer attached to Hong Kong Island since joining the Force in 1989 as a recruit PC. After being identified and recommended as a potential officer, he went through a series of interviews before taking the 36-week probationary inspector course at PTS.

The two brothers are close and both and were thrilled to pass out of the Police Training School in the same parade.

Chung Chi-wai said it was very gratifying to get the chance for promotion after years of hard work and self improvement. Both pledged that they would continue to serve the community and are even more committed to the Force's Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values.

Brothers Chung at PTS after both passed out as probationary inspectors

Officers from the Liaison Bureau of the Hong Kong Police, led by Senior Superintendent Fung Kin-man, received the containers which were stolen in Ma On Shan, Sheung Shui, Lok Ma Chau and Ta Kwu Ling between September 1996 and November 1997.

The return of the stolen containers came as the result of an investigation into a series of trailer thefts by Border District detectives.

Informed by the Liaison Bureau of the Hong Kong Police, officials of the Guangdong Provincial PSB promptly recovered these six containers valued at $240,000.

RECENTLY 45 police officers and ten civilian staff from NTS Region were presented the Commanding Officer's Commendation or Letter of Appreciation for their outstanding performance by Yip Kwok-keung, RC NTS.

The Police officers were praised for their high degree of professionalism, devotion to duty and bravery in operations against drugs, investigations of cases such as attempted robbery, the taking of hostages, purse snatching, theft, handling stolen goods, rescues during recent typhoons, and for preparing the Regional Bulletin.

The civilian officers were complimented for consistent outstanding performance and efficiency.

This was the last time Mr Yip conducted such a presentation in the capacity of RC NTS as he will soon take up his new post at PHQ as ACP OPS.

The presentation was followed by a Regional farewell lunch in the Officer' Mess thrown for Mr Yip by officers and civilian staff from NTS Region.

OVER CHRISTMAS the children of the Ta Kwu Ling Caritas Kindergarten paid a visit to the Ta Kwu Ling Police Station where they captivated the station's officers and staff with their carolling.