HK no longer a major drug transit centre
I refer to the article headlined 'Smack attack' (South China Morning Post, May 28).
To put the record straight Hong Kong is no longer a major drug transit centre. The removal of Hong Kong from the US list of major drug transit jurisdictions in November of last year, acknowledges that the labelling of the territory as a staging post for drugs is obsolete.
The efforts of Hong Kong authorities in combating drug problems is recognised worldwide. The Hong Kong Police Force works closely with the Australian authorities and other overseas law enforcement agencies in interdicting drug trafficking even though the drugs do not normally pass through the territory.
The reference to a number of heroin-processing centres in Hong Kong being closed down requires clarification. The 'processing' of heroin in Hong Kong is normally limited to small-scale adulteration of heroin by substances such as caffeine on domestic premises for local use. There is no large-scale processing of heroin in Hong Kong.
The inference in your article that the SAR remains a major transit centre is totally misleading and we strongly refute it.
WONG DOON-YEE
for Commissioner of Police
