Hong Kong launches new anti-drugs measures after announced Beijing crackdown

Hong Kong has signalled its intention to get on board Beijing's recently announced nationwide drug crackdown with a host of new measures, including a ban on designer drug methoxetamine and the setting up of an anti-smuggling task force to boost cooperation with overseas law enforcers.

The moves follow a concerted push by the central government to stem the burgeoning trade of synthetic drugs that has taken root in Guangdong, particularly for methamphetamine, known widely in Hong Kong as Ice.

Home to China's largest number of drug addicts, the southern province has been singled out by officials as a prime target in the mainland's battle against illicit drugs.

On Friday, Shenzhen authorities announced the seizure of 4.2 tonnes of narcotics and the arrests of nearly 5,000 people, a number of whom were involved in a drug-trafficking operation to Australia via Hong Kong.

Two weeks earlier, police incinerated a staggering 400 tonnes of meth ingredients in Lufeng - the city that includes the infamous "meth village" Boshe raided last December and a traditional heartland of Hong Kong's largest triad, the Sun Yee On.

The Hong Kong connection cannot be understated - advanced logistics infrastructure and proximity to meth-manufacturing labs in Guangdong make this city an important transit point for criminal syndicates in transporting the highly addictive stimulant around the globe.

A report in The World Factbook published by the US Central Intelligence Agency highlighted challenges faced by Hong Kong "in controlling transit of heroin and methamphetamine to regional and world markets".