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The growing trend of drug abuse involving youngsters in recent years is alarming. In 2021, a total of 624 youngsters were arrested for drugs-related offences, representing an increase of 152 persons in comparison to the 2020 figure. The number of youngsters aged between 10 and 15 who were arrested for serious drug offences has increased from 42 in 2020 to 89 in 2021, with the youngest arrested person aged 13 only. Cannabis takes up the highest portion among all drugs-related cases involving youngsters. In 2021, 257 youngsters were arrested for cannabis-related drug offences, representing an increase of 35% when compared to those in 2020. To curb cannabis intake and drug trafficking amongst youngsters, Narcotics Bureau (NB) has launched in April 2022 a series of publicity campaign against drug trafficking and cannabis-related crimes among youngsters to stress the harm of cannabis and the serious consequences of drug trafficking.
Anti-drug animations and mini-movies
NB launched a series of animation clips and mini-movie to remind youngsters to stay vigilant against drug abuse and illegal acts related to drugs. A series of six animation video clips entitled “Agent Curiosity” has been released on the social media platforms of the Force. These clips cover six types of common drugs in Hong Kong, namely cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, ice, heroin and ecstasy. The clips visualise vividly the harmful effects of drug abuse. Besides, a mini-movie “Drug Enticement” produced by NB premiered on April 20. Incorporating real cases into the plot, the mini-movie reveals how criminals recruit young people to carry out drug trafficking activities. A female inmate sentenced to 17 years and six months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking, as well as her family members, was interviewed to remind young people not to take part in drug trafficking as it is not worth the heavy price to be paid. The animation clips and mini-movie are also broadcast on the platforms of the Education Bureau, schools, parent-teacher associations, different non-governmental organisations and other community stakeholders for more youngsters and the public to understand the serious consequences of taking and trafficking drugs.
Anti-drug seminar in school
NB officers conducted an anti-drug seminar at a school on April 20 to convey anti-drug message to over 80 teachers and students. Drug dummies and drug-inhaling apparatus were displayed. Officers also explained how young persons were exploited for drug trafficking as well as the penalties for illicit drug trafficking.
Utilising media platforms to promote anti-drug message
NB has spared no effort in disseminating anti-drug message on different media platforms. In the press interview on April 14, NB officers joined hands with a specialist in psychiatry, Professor Tang Wai-kwong and an ex-cannabis abuser to explain the harms of taking cannabis. Besides, a press conference was held on April 22 to wrap up the results of anti-cannabis operation code-named AMBERFLOCK across the Easter holiday. An officer also attended an RTHK radio programme to share anti-drug tips with parents.
Leadership Institute on Narcotics mentees promote anti-cannabis message
NB commenced a new youth engagement programme, namely Leadership Institute on Narcotics (LION) in 2021. A total of 100 Secondary Four and university students were recruited as mentees. They attended a series of drug-related workshops and received leadership training throughout the year. The mentees would then be given opportunities to organise and implement anti-drug publicity campaigns in schools and the community. Furthermore, mentees of LION composed different anti-cannabis social media posts to promote anti-drug message across their peers. Part of the posts were selected and published on the Force’s social media platforms. Not only could mentees unleash their creativity through the activities, their anti-drug awareness was also enhanced.
Conclusion
NB will keep promoting anti-drug education and publicity campaigns through multi-disciplinary collaboration to foster closer partnership with community stakeholders. Anti-drug messages will be focused on risky groups and youngsters for them to understand the serious consequence of drug abuse and drug trafficking, with a view to preventing them from committing such offences.
