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The Government was determined to curb the problem of drug abuse by strengthening co-operation with the Mainland, the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, said tonight (July 20) at an anti-drug publicity event at the boundary control points.
To combat the cross boundary drug abuse problem among youngsters during summer holidays, the Commissioner for Narcotics together with the Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr Choi Yuen-wan and several ACAN members distributed anti-drug leaflets and souvenirs to people heading for the Mainland at the departure halls of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Control Points tonight, reminding them not to abuse drugs on the Mainland.
"Mainland and Hong Kong authorities will take vigorous enforcement action against drug abuse. We will strengthen collaboration with various sectors and the districts to tackle the problem," Ms Wong said.
She pointed out that family was the primary defence line against youth drug abuse. She urged parents to keep an eye on their children and communicate with them in a caring way as this was the most effective way to prevent drug abuse.
Dr Choi said ACAN was very concerned about the situation of youth drug abuse with youngsters often taking a casual attitude towards its dire consequences. Parents should always be vigilant in looking out for changes in children's lifestyles and spending habits so that they could identify any problem and provide help as early as possible.
The publicity event was part of the anti-drug publicity campaign organised by Police Border District targeting cross boundary drug abuse. Border District Commander, Mr M R Demaid-Groves; Acting Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Bureau, Miss Evelyn Lam Man-sai, members of North and Yuen Long District Fight Crime Committees and Junior Police Call Advanced Leaders also joined the event.
Social workers also conducted simple body checks and questionnaire surveys among the youth at the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Control Points.
Ends/Friday, July 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 22:44
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