Recent cross-border efforts to combat narcotics have yielded significant results, while more collaboration is critical in addressing the evolving threat of drug trafficking and abuse, Hong Kong Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki told a high-level anti-narcotics conference on Friday.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Anti-Drug Summit, co-organized by the special administrative region’s Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau, was held in Hong Kong on Friday, with the aim of enhancing cross-border collaboration in combating drug trafficking and reducing substance abuse among young people.
The summit is part of celebratory events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of ACAN, a key advisory body in Hong Kong’s antidrug efforts.
Chan pointed to concrete outcomes from regional collaboration, including a major joint operation by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao authorities last year that led to 23 busts with the seizure of over 2.2 metric tons of narcotics, and nearly 100 arrests.
Additionally, the Hong Kong SAR’s intelligence sharing with Singapore in July successfully aided the country in cracking down on a major transnational drug trafficking case.
The secretary outlined Hong Kong’s multipronged narcotics control strategy, which encompasses rigorous law enforcement, interception at source, public education, and rehabilitation services.
He reported a 70 percent decrease in reported drug abusers since the late 1970s, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained efforts.
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In response to emerging threats, Chan highlighted the city’s swift legislative actions to classify the new psychoactive substance etomidate as a dangerous drug following its rise across the region.
While acknowledging these achievements, Chan said: “We will never let up and will continue striving to achieve the goal of a drug-free city.”
He noted that the summit provides an essential platform for regions to share expertise and devise more effective strategies, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
Key speakers also included Wei Xiaojun, executive secretary-general of the National Narcotics Control Commission; Donald Li Kwok-tung, chairman of the ACAN; Liang Ruiguo, deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Narcotics Control Commission; Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung; and Macao’s Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service Leong Man-cheong.
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
