HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 cc634-5W
61. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about illegal trade in heroin or other dangerous drugs into and out of Hong Kong.

Mr. Luard

Drugs illegally imported into Hong Kong are mainly in the form of opium and morphine. The drugs are usually brought in on passenger and freight vessels, but the traditional method of importing drugs by trawler has restarted. Heroin is generally manufactured in Hong Kong from imported drugs, but there are recent indications that it is now being imported direct from Thailand. Every effort is made by the Hong Kong Government to stamp out illicit trafficking in drugs. The export of dangerous drugs from Hong Kong is considered to be minimal.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many illegal gaming houses have been closed down in Hong Kong during 1976; and how many persons have been charged with offences against gaming laws.

Mr. Luard

27 illegal gaming houses have been closed down and 35,317 persons charged with offences against gaming laws this year.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons have been arrested in Hong Kong during 1976 on drug charges, or for the operation of vice dens.

Mr. Luard

The number of persons who have been arrested and charged with narcotic offences this year is 10,272. Seventy-one persons have been charged with keeping a drug divan and 739 with keeping a brothel.

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