Legislation and Law Enforcement
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- Anti-drug Laws
According to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134), illegal dealing, possession, import, export, supply and manufacture of dangerous drugs under control are criminal offences. The relevant major offences are as follows -
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Trafficking in or manufacture, etc. of dangerous drugs | A fine of $5 million and life imprisonment |
| Trafficking in purported dangerous drugs | A fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 7 years |
| Illegal possession other than trafficking or consumption of dangerous drugs | A fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 7 years |
Besides, the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Cap. 145) controls precursor chemicals that may be used for manufacturing drugs. The maximum penalty is 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.
The Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance (Cap. 405) provides for the tracing, confiscation and recovery of the proceeds of drug trafficking, so as to counter laundering of drug proceeds. The maximum penalty of laundering drug proceeds is 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5 million; the relevant proceeds of drug trafficking can also be confiscated.
- Law Enforcement Efforts
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) are fully committed to enforcing the law and combating drug activities.
In 2022, HKPF and C&ED seized a total amount of around 66 300 kg of dangerous drugs. The amounts of certain major types of dangerous drugs seized are as follows:
| Dangerous Drug | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heroin | 327 kg |
| Ketamine | 838 kg |
| Methamphetamine ("Ice") | 1 796 kg |
| Cocaine | 2 271 kg |
| Cannabis (including cannabis herbal, cannabis plants and cannabis resin) |
2 673 kg |
| Ecstasy-type Drug | 28 491 tablets |
In 2022, the number of persons arrested for drug offences is as follows:
| Drug Offence | Number of Arrested Persons |
|---|---|
| All drug offences (including serious and minor drug offences) |
4 005 |
| Serious drug offences (e.g. drug manufacturing, trafficking or possession of large quantities of drugs) |
2 075 |
| Minor drug offences (e.g. possession of small amounts of drugs for self consumption) |
1 930 |
If you suspect that any person is a drug pusher or trafficker or that any premises are being used for manufacturing illegal drugs, call
| Hong Kong Police Force | Police Drug Reporting Hotline: 2527 1234 |
| Customs and Excise Department | 2545 6182 |
For suspected illegal sales of drugs, call
| Department of Health | 2572 2068 |
All reports are treated in strict confidence.