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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at a media session at the ground floor lobby, West Wing, Central Government Offices, after the Fight Crime Committee meeting this afternoon (April 27):
Secretary for Security: The Fight Crime Committee has reviewed the law and order situation of Hong Kong for the first quarter of 2010. The overall crime rate and the violent crime rate have dropped by 2.2% and 2.1% respectively. Crimes that have recorded a decrease included robbery, serious drug offences and serious assault. The kinds of criminal offences that have recorded an increase included miscellaneous thefts and shop theft. What is encouraging is that we have witnessed a drop in serious drug offences, especially those involving young persons. The number of young offenders involved in serious drug offences dropped by as much as 40% compared to the first quarter of 2009. This is encouraging, but we should not be too happy at this moment because I always say that this is a long-drawn war. We have to work doubly hard to make Hong Kong a drug-free city.
Reporter: We keep saying that Hong Kong is not a drug trans-shipment centre. But how concerned are you about this major haul over the weekend? Is it for the local market for kids?
Secretary for Security: In Hong Kong, we have strict regulations on drugs. And drug dealers and traffickers are being handed out very severe sentences in our courts. Our Customs and Police are two very professional forces. The seizure of the record amount of cocaine a couple of days ago is evidence that we spare no effort in tackling the source of drug supply to Hong Kong. And it also indicates the professionalism of our Police force in dealing with drug traffickers. Up to this moment, because the investigation is still ongoing, we have no evidence to indicate whether the seized cocaine is for local consumption or for onward trans-shipment to other places. We are still investigating. I wouldn't want to jump to a conclusion at this point in time.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:04
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