Overall Strategy and Co-ordination

The government adopts a five-pronged approach in combating drug
trafficking and abuse-law enforcement, preventive education and
publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, research and international
co-operation. While fully maintaining the emphasis on law enforcement
and reducing supply, the government recognises the need for stronger
action on reducing the demand for illegal drugs.

Effective law enforcement curtails illicit drug supply and induces drug
abusers to seek treatment voluntarily. It also brings compulsory treatment
to many who cannot otherwise be persuaded to seek help. A
comprehensive range of treatment and rehabilitation services are provided
to meet the different needs of drug abusers from varying backgrounds.

Preventive education and publicity programmes are organised on a
territory-wide basis and at the local level to increase public awareness of
the drug problem and to encourage people to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
Research studies are conducted on various aspects of the drug abuse
problem and the findings facilitate the planning of suitable anti-drugs
strategies and programmes. Co-operation at the international level,
through exchange of information and experience as well as joint action
against illicit trafficking, enhances the effectiveness of efforts in all these
areas.

These anti-drugs efforts are co-ordinated by the Action Committee
Against Narcotics (ACAN), a non-statutory body which comprises both
non-official and government members. It advises the government on
anti-drugs policies and activities and is serviced by the Narcotics Division
of the Government Secretariat, which is headed by the Commissioner for
Narcotics.

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