The Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau reminds the public to stay away from drugs at all times when travelling outside Hong Kong or participating in activities and gatherings locally as the festive season is approaching. In addition, members of the public should pay attention to product labels when shopping online or in-store, and should not buy products that may contain drugs.
 
     When travelling outside Hong Kong, members of the public need to stay vigilant and avoid drug traps when trying new things. Food and drinks, or even health supplements and skincare products such as facial masks, massage oils, etc, may contain dangerous drugs. Products that are marked with the words "CBD", "THC", "cannabis", "cannabinoids", "ganja", "hemp extracts" or "marijuana", or with a picture of a cannabis leaf, may contain substances that are illegal in Hong Kong or prohibited for transit at the airport. If in doubt, travellers should not risk consumption of these products or bring them back to Hong Kong, so as not to breach the law inadvertently.
 
     During the festive shopping season, shoppers should pay careful attention to product labels when shopping online or in-store for themselves or for gifts to friends and family. They should not buy products that may contain drugs, especially those with cannabidiol (CBD) as an ingredient. CBD has been listed as a dangerous drug since February 1, 2023. Information and a video about examples of CBD products have been uploaded onto the ND's dedicated webpage about CBD (www.nd.gov.hk/en/CBD.html) for reference by the public.
 
     When joining social gatherings locally to celebrate Christmas and New Year, one should never try drugs out of curiosity, even if they are offered for free. The ND will step up anti-drug promotions in public transportation networks, cinemas, mobile applications and different websites during the festive season to deepen the public's understanding of the harmful effects of drugs, especially cocaine and cannabis.
 
     The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics, Dr Donald Li, said, "I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and a drug-free holiday with beloved family members and friends." He also took the opportunity to remind that, "Regardless of the type and quantity, drugs will ruin your body and mind, and affect your lives and the ones of your family members. We must firmly say 'No' to drugs when facing temptations during the holiday season."
 
     Furthermore, located on the roof floor of the Low Block of the Queensway Government Offices, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (HKJC DIC) is open as usual throughout the Christmas and New Year period. For more information about the HKJC DIC, please visit its website (www.druginfocentre.hk/en/index.html) or the ND's official pages (search "narcotics.divisionhk") on Facebook and Instagram. The ND has also issued an animated post on the pages to offer tips on how to avoid drug traps when celebrating the festive season (www.facebook.com/narcotics.divisionhk/videos/875349634316091/).

Ends/Friday, December 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:45

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