Joint GBA anti-drug operations disrupt 23 cases last year

Joint operations across Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong last year led to the disruption of 23 drug-related cases, the seizure of more than 2.2 tonnes of narcotics, and nearly 100 arrests, officials said at the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau (GBA) Anti-Drug Summit in Hong Kong last Friday.

The summit brought together around 300 participants from approximately 40 regional agencies and international partners, including Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau.

It was jointly organized by Hong Kong’s Security Bureau Narcotics Division and the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). The forum also marked the first major anti-drug platform uniting the three GBA regions following the release of the GBA Outline Development Plan.

In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki highlighted a 70% decline in registered drug users since the late 1970s, attributing the success to a multi-pronged approach that includes law enforcement, public education, and rehabilitation services.

He emphasized the need to remain vigilant against emerging substances, citing the recent addition of etomidate to the list of controlled drugs.

Wei Xiaojun, head of China’s Ministry of Public Security Narcotics Control Bureau, stressed the region’s vulnerability to international trafficking due to its developed economy and open transport networks.

“From the perspective of the GBA, this region has a developed economy, convenient transportation and a high degree of openness, and has always been a target for international drug trafficking groups,” said Wei.

Meanwhile, Commissioner-General of Macau’s Unitary Police Service Leong Man Cheong noted that despite Macau’s small size, its open customs policies could make the city a potential transit hub for illicit substances.

Leong said authorities are focusing on preventing trafficking networks from using the city to transport drugs to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Times Reporter