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The Narcotics Division has urged people to stay alert to the temptation of drugs during the festive season.
The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Rosanna Ure, today (December 23) called on young people to stay away from drugs and not to succumb to peer influence, saying they should understand that it was cool and smart to refuse drugs.
This year, the Narcotics Division will continue to disseminate mobile phone SMS messages to young people aged from 15 to 25 with the help from network providers. The Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs) "Drugs screw up your life" will also be broadcast more frequently on television and through radio channels and be shown on buses to give everyone a timely reminder.
Many Hong Kong residents will travel during the holiday season. The Narcotics Division has put up anti-drug advertisements and posters at KCRC trains, cross-boundary coaches and immigration control points like Lo Wu, Hung Hom, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok, China Ferry Terminal and Macau Ferry Terminal. People are reminded to be vigilant against drugs while on vacation and do not attempt to bring drugs into or out of Hong Kong.
Prevention is better than cure. Parents could consider taking their children to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (InfoCentre) during the holiday so the entire family would know more about the dire consequences of drug abuse. The InfoCentre is open for public daily from 10am to 6pm except Wednesdays.
Located on the roof floor at Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, the InfoCentre is equipped with various kinds of multi-media display to convey knowledge about drugs and the damages of drug abuse. Audiences may also vote on the "decision" made by the characters in a short film shown at the interactive theatre.
"The findings of 'The 2004 Survey of Drug Use among Students' showed that harmonious parent-child relationship played a key role in preventing drug abuse. Parents should make good use of the holiday by visiting the InfoCentre with their children. While spending quality time with their children in the InfoCentre, parents could educate their children about the harm of drugs at an early age. This will help prevent them from taking drugs as they grow up," Mrs Ure said.
The leaflet "Drug Abuse is Dangerous" and the booklet "Understanding Drug Abuse Problem", available on the website of the Narcotics Division (www.nd.gov.hk), are valuable resources for parents and youngsters to learn more about the harm of commonly abused drugs like ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy and cough medicine.
It is also important to know how to say "No" to drugs. Mrs Ure gave three tips to youngsters or those who may be exposed to drugs - "say No directly", "use an excuse to get away from the situation where you are being lured to take drugs" and "change the subject by suggesting some other activities".
Ends/Friday, December 23, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:15
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