Iong Kong Io
The group that is working on proposals to amend the anti-drug trafficking law has advocated for heavier penalties to be imposed on people found to have committed drug offenses. A report made by the group was presented yesterday, stating that the current penalties fail to have a deterrent effect. According to the document, the group believes that drug consumers, who currently can be sentenced to between 45 and 60 days in prison, should be sentenced to penalties that vary between three and six months.
Regarding those involved in drug trafficking, the report suggests that the minimum sentence should be lifted from three to five years. It also advises that authorities should have the power to force suspected drug abusers to give blood for analysis, in order to obtain evidence.
The president of the Social Welfare Bureau, Iong Kong Io, who is also the vice-president of the Anti-drug Committee, said that the report will now be analyzed by the Legal Affairs Bureau. He expects that a bill can be assessed by the Legislative Assembly before year-end. PB
No Comments