Visit cements ties in combatting drugs
A 10-member party from the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, led by Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, visited Narcotics Bureau (NB) on May 26. ND is responsible for coordinating policies and measures across the public sector, non-government organisations and the community to combat drug abuse. It is also the policy-maker for fighting money laundering and terrorist financing in non-financial sectors.
The objective of the visit was to further enhance understanding between policy bureaux and operational departments. During the visit, NB Chief Superintendent John Ribeiro briefed the visitors on the organisation and characteristics of NB as well as the recent enforcement trends and priorities. The abuse of psychotropic substances by young people, and how both ND and NB are tackling this problem, was also discussed.
The party also toured the NB Display Room to get an overview of the history of drug trafficking in Hong Kong, and found some cases very interesting.
The party had further discussions with NB officers, including the nature of ND's work, current problems and trends, as well as future plans. This informal exchange promoted the understanding and co-operation between ND and NB. The key message was that no single sector of the community alone could tackle the problem of drug abuse effectively. The whole community must be motivated to fight drugs.
Joint Financial Investigation Unit Superintendent Ma Ping-yiu, who briefed the party on the latest developments in his unit and who recently returned to the Force following a 30-month secondment to ND, said the visit had not only strengthened the relationship between NB and ND but also allowed both sides to share experiences in this key area.
At the end of the visit, Ms Wong said her party was very impressed with NB's anti-drug strategies and initiatives as well as the morale of its officers, who play a critical role in enforcing the five-pronged anti-drug strategy of Hong Kong.
The
Commissioner
for
Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, finds some of the cases
cracked by Narcotics Bureau very interesting