Narcotics Bureau (NB) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly hosted for the first time on September 23 a one-day workshop on clandestine laboratories for 93 officers from the Force and the Customs and Excise Department, as well as for nine government chemists.

In his welcoming speech, NB Chief Superintendent John Ribeiro stressed that it was vital to have a good understanding of the matters related to the hazard and safety of clandestine laboratories, especially those concerning illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine and handling of exhibits and chemicals.

"Though Hong Kong is not a known production centre for methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, this workshop will be of significance to the drug fighters in Hong Kong in the event we come across a small clandestine 'kitchen lab' or a stockpile of precursor chemicals," he noted.

During the workshop, the guest speaker, Mr Chad Esch from DEA Bangkok Country Office, shared his experience of handling different types of clandestine laboratories and the inherent hazard issues. In particular, his advice on safety procedures and precaution was extremely useful and practical.

Dr Thomas Tam, Senior Chemist from Government Laboratory, said the workshop went a long way towards helping the participants get a better understanding of the good practices of overseas law enforcement agencies in handling large-scale clandestine laboratories.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants showed high regard for Mr Esch's competence and advice on handing clandestine laboratories.

Mr Esch is presented with a souvenir after his talk