To echo the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) held a preventive education and publicity event today (June 26) to unite different sectors of the community in the fight against drugs.
Members of the ACAN and its two sub-committees, the Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity and the Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation; representatives of the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau; as well as youth members of the Junior Police Call and the "Customs YES", distributed anti-drug leaflets and souvenirs to members of the public in Causeway Bay today, reminding them to stay vigilant against drugs and to "Say No To Drugs" at all times, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere during the peak travel season in the fast approaching summer holidays. While distributing leaflets and souvenirs printed with the anti-drug ambassadors Agent Don't and Agent Hope, participants at the event also took the opportunity to remind members of the public to pay close attention to product labels during online or in-store shopping, and not to buy products that may contain drugs, especially those with cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) as an ingredient, to avoid breaching the law inadvertently.
The Chairman of the ACAN, Dr Donald Li, first led more than 50 participants to chant the anti-drug slogan "Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!", showing their determination to fight against drugs together. Dr Li then urged different sectors of the community, government departments, the anti-drug sector as well as members of the public to continue working in concerted efforts to combat drug problems and build a drug-free Hong Kong together.
Dr Li said that with the full resumption of normalcy in society, there will be more large-scale entertainment events, social gatherings and outbound travel. Members of the public should remember to stay away from drugs at all times while having a good time.
Dr Li added, "Drugs ruin lives. It is scientifically proven that any drug, be it cannabis or cocaine, will cause long-term and irreversible health damage. Taking drugs not only causes harmful effects to your physical and mental health, but also affects your life and the lives of your family members. Some abusers may even get involved in drug trafficking or other crimes, leaving their lives shattered. Today is World Drug Day. I would like to remind members of the public to firmly say 'No' in the face of drug temptation." Dr Li also encouraged members of the public to show care and concern for those around them and be sensitive to their emotions, and to provide support to those in need, with a view to steering them away from the drug abyss. To seek information or assistance from professional social workers, members of the public can make use of instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat by sending messages to 98 186 186, or calling the 24-hour hotline 186 186.
The ND added that the Government will continue to promote anti-drug messages through different channels to debunk myths about drugs wrongly held by some quarters. Two programmes (from 7.30pm to 8pm and from 8pm to 8.30pm) on a free TV channel tonight will feature anti-drug messages, and encourage viewers to follow the message "Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!" in their lives. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are sparing no effort to combat drugs and will continue to cut off drug supplies at source. As for drug abusers, the Government encourages them to seek help. Hong Kong provides drug treatment and rehabilitation services to cater for various needs of drug abusers of different backgrounds. The Government will continue to stand united and work in collaboration with different sectors of the community to safeguard public health.
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 a facility that helps members of the public strengthen their determination to resist drugs. To enrich visitors' experience, the HKJC DIC is equipped with various interactive multimedia facilities and devices, including an interactive game that detects movements and an imaging device that shows the harmful effects caused by drug abuse. In addition to exhibitions, visitors are welcome to join guided tours and other anti-drug events at the HKJC DIC free of charge. Please visit the website of the HKJC DIC (druginfocentre.hk/en/index.html) for more details.
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