Jointly organised by the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and Metro Radio, an anti-drug Christmas concert "Say No to Drugs Music Night" was held tonight (December 20). Through music, popular buskers, singers and bands, anti-drug messages and a drug-free lifestyle were promoted to young people, who were also reminded to stay vigilant and not to take drugs out of curiosity or peer influence while enjoying the festivities during Christmas and the New Year.

     A spokesman for ND said, "Busking has become very popular recently. Many young buskers have overcome numerous hurdles in pursuit of their interests and dreams, and they value every opportunity to present their musical talents. We sincerely appreciate their endeavours, and encourage young people inspired by buskers' heartening stories to develop healthy hobbies and positive values for coping with stress and challenges in life, at school and at work."

     Talented buskers including Judas Law, Rachel Lau, Monkey Music, Sunset or Rise and The Bright Lights, together with popular singers and band, Andy Leung, Hubert Wu, James Ng and ToNick, were invited to share their music and promote anti-drug messages at the concert. In addition to music performances, they also highlighted to the audience the harms of abusing cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"), and offered tips on relieving stress, resisting drug temptations and seeking help. 
                                                                    
     Seven student buskers also joined the concert, including Gordon Ho and Kim Lai from the Lingnan University; William Chan, Cheung Shing-hin, Ivy Kwan, Andy Leung and Wan Hok-lai from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. As youngsters, they encouraged their peers to overcome adversities with a positive attitude, develop and extend their talents for healthy interests, and bring more positive energy to themselves and friends.

     The "Say No to Drugs Music Night" concert was held at the Jockey Club Auditorium of Hong Kong Polytechnic University and was attended by over 700 young people from universities, tertiary institutions and secondary schools. The energetic atmosphere was enjoyed by both the performers and audience. Guests attending the event included the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity (PE&P SC), Dr Tik Chi-yuen; ACAN member Professor Cheung Yuet-wah; PE&P SC member Professor James Chan; and the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan.

     Before tonight's concert, the ND and ACAN in collaboration with Metro Radio jointly organised a series of anti-drug education and publicity events from October to December 2018, including buskers' music tours to universities and tertiary institutions to disseminate anti-drug messages on campuses. Video highlights of the tours are available on the ND website. Popular singers as well as business and financial professionals also recorded radio segments appealing to members of the public to clearly understand the harms of drug abuse. The segments were aired on both Metro Info and Metro Finance. 

     The spokesman said, "Taking drugs will not solve any problem. Anyone who suspects that his or her family members or friends may have drug problems can seek help from professional social workers through ND's 24-hour hotline 186 186, or by sending messages to 98 186 186 by WhatsApp or WeChat."

Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2018
Issued at HKT 22:17

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