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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) 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, Central after the Fight Crime Committee meeting this afternoon (September 26):
Reporter: Mr Lee, we have seen a sharp increase in the amount of heroin seized ...
Secretary for Security: In the period under report, we have noted there has been an increase in seizure of ketamine as well as heroin. But as I reported earlier, the number of serious drug offences or crimes recorded a drop of seven per cent. So there is no correlation between the increase in seizure and the seriousness of the offences. The seizure only indicated that our Police and our Customs officers are actively doing their jobs. They conducted intelligence-led operations and that led to record seizures. Of the heroin seizure, I think 98 per cent of the seizure was conducted at the control points. That means we successfully intercepted these drugs when they entered or left the territory. The Police and Customs Departments will continue to up-keep their good efforts in stopping drugs from entering Hong Kong or passing through Hong Kong.
Reporter: Mr Lee, any changes in the pattern of young people being arrested for serious drug offences ...
Secretary for Security: According to the statistics for the first eight months of 2011, the number of juveniles arrested for serious drug offences dropped by 12.8 per cent. Among youngsters, the most popular drug is ketamine, which is comparatively cheap. For the first eight months this year, there has been an increase in ketamine seizure. The two departments, the Police and Customs, will spare no efforts in stopping the inflow of ketamine.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, September 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:28
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