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A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said today (July 2) that the Government would publish the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2014 and the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2014 in the gazette this Friday (July 4).
These two Orders will bring "methoxetamine and relevant derivatives" and "alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile" under control by adding them to the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, and Schedule 2 to the Control of Chemicals Ordinance respectively.
The spokesperson said, "The amendments aim to deter the trafficking and abuse of methoxetamine and relevant derivatives as well as alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile. This will help to fortify Hong Kong's defence line in the fight against drugs."
The spokesperson added, "Studies reveal that the effects of abusing methoxetamine are similar to those of abusing ketamine. They will bring serious and irreversible harm to abusers.
"The Order will subject relevant substances to the same strict control as other dangerous drugs. Those prosecuted of illicit trafficking and manufacture of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. Those prosecuted of possession and consumption of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for seven years.
"Alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile is an immediate precursor to '1-phenyl-2-propanone', a substance for manufacturing amphetamine and methamphetamine. Taking into consideration the possible damage that amphetamine-type narcotics may cause to the abusers, we propose to subject the substance to legislative control," the spokesperson said.
"The Order will subject the manufacture, import, export and transhipment of the substance under the control of the Control of Chemicals Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation. The manufacture, import, export and storage of the substance will require a licence or storage approval from the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. Possession, manufacture, transport or distribution of the substance for the purpose of unlawful production of dangerous drugs is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 15 years."
The spokesperson said that the Government had consulted the Action Committee Against Narcotics and the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council and they supported the proposed amendments. The Administration had also sought the views of relevant trades and stakeholders.
Both Amendment Orders will be introduced into the Legislative Council on July 9, 2014 and are expected to become effective on November 28, 2014.
Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:01
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