Premier Zhu Rongji meets delegates at the Ministers' Meeting on Drug Control Co-operation in Beijing

Speaking to OffBeat for the first time since attending the Ministers' Meeting on Drug Control Co-operation held in Beijing on August 27 and 28, Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui reiterated the Force's determination and resolve regarding the continuing fight against psychotropic drugs, especially in relation to the use of such substances by young people in Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang and Chief Superintendent of the Narcotics Bureau Ip Lau-chuen were among representatives from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand attending the Meeting opened by State Councillor Luo Gan. The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner of National Narcotics Control Commission and the Minister of Public Security, Mr Jia Chunwang.

"The fight against the abuse of psychotropic drugs, especially among youngsters, is the right move and will remain one of the Force's top priorities," stated Mr Tsang.

"Delegates at the meeting agreed that the problem of illegal production, trafficking and resulting abuse of psychotropic drugs is worsening both regionally and globally. The situation is fast approaching the seriousness of drugs traditionally associated with addiction such as opium and heroin," noted Mr Tsang.

"The production of psychotropic drugs is rapidly becoming favourite with illegal drug manufacturers and traffickers as they are easy to manufacture anytime, anywhere and the profit is enormous."

"All drugs, traditional and trendy ones alike, are inflicting damage in some 170 countries globally. Addicts account for as much as five per cent of the population in some countries, and, on a more serious note, drug abusers are getting younger."

Ministers of the four countries represented at the meeting all agreed that a continuing concerted effort of co-operation was needed to fight illegal drugs on both national levels in each of the relevant countries and throughout the region.

"As far as Hong Kong is concerned, increased police action led to a 77 per cent increase in the number of people aged under 21 years arrested for narcotics offences in the first seven months of this year. This is a very favourable result compared with the same period last year. As a result there has been a noticable decline in the quantities of psychotropic drugs seized at dance parties," said Mr Tsang.

"The views of the delegates and the figures produced reaffirmed our belief that top priority must continue to be given to our fight against the abuse of psychotropic drugs. The steering of youngsters away from drugs is a move in the right direction and something the Force will continue to spare no effort in fighting."



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