With the Christmas holidays approaching, a band show entitled "Anti-drug Rock 'n' Roll", jointly organised by the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 2, was held tonight (December 19) to disseminate anti-drug messages. The event attracted an audience of more than 600 from the community.
 
     The band show was one of the publicity initiatives of the 2016 territory-wide campaign against drug abuse. It aimed to instil positive energy among members of the public, and encourage them to develop positive attitudes, build resilience towards drug temptation, and enjoy a drug-free Christmas.
 
     Singers Joyce Cheng and JW and pop bands Tai Chi and Dear Jane performed a number of energetic songs in the show to demonstrate the vigour of a drug-free life.
 
     Officiating at the event tonight, the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Ben Cheung, said that drug abuse would not only bring about irreversible damage to the health of the abusers, but also adversely affect their daily lives, interpersonal relationships and academic and work performance. He reminded members of the public, especially young people, to remain vigilant during the festive season and not to be tempted to take drugs because of curiosity or peer pressure. He encouraged young people to make good use of the holidays to participate in meaningful activities and maintain a healthy and drug-free life.
 
     Also officiating at the event, the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan, said that Christmas is a festive season filled with love and care. She appealed to members of the public to show care for their loved ones by encouraging family members or friends with drug problems to seek early assistance. People in need can call the ND's hotline 186 186 or send messages to 98 186 186 by WhatsApp or WeChat to seek help.
 
     RTHK Radio 2 is one of the partners of the ND and ACAN in launching the territory-wide campaign against drug abuse in 2016. A series of programmes have been rolled out since the launch of the anti-drug campaign "Power Your Life, Fight Drugs Together" in June. In addition to the band show, a radio drama, talks and visits to workplaces were also organised.

     Other officiating guests at the event tonight included ACAN members Mr Ivan Yiu and Dr Annissa Lui; member of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity Mr Sunny Tan; the Head of Chinese Programme Service of RTHK, Ms Dawn Tsang; and singer Andy Hui.

Ends/Monday, December 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:11

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