Police have gathered information on more than 30 vehicles that took part in the recent airport blockade and drivers involved will face prosecution, Police Director of Operations Andy Tsang says.

Speaking on radio talk shows, Mr Tsang stressed Police are taking the case seriously as the incident had affected the airport's smooth operation.

On the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup, an equestrian contest slated for August 11 to 13 featuring overseas and local riders, Mr Tsang said Police are working closely with the Equestrian Company, relevant government departments and stakeholders involved to ensure the event's smooth running and success.

Terrorist threat 'moderate'

He pointed out that at present, Hong Kong's terrorist threat-assessment level remained "moderate". The threat assessment for Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Competition is also "moderate".

Police have began security checks for the Sha Tin venue in mid-July and will launch similar checks at Beas River in Sheung Shui. Despite its smaller scale, the security requirements for the contest are as strict as that for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events, Mr Tsang said, adding more than 1,000 officers will be involved.

On drug abuse, Police Director of Crime & Security Lee Ka-chiu said over the past six months, a total of 1,400 serious narcotics cases were detected and 1,763 people arrested for serious narcotics offences, up 37.5% and 38.4% on a year earlier. Cases involving psychotropic drugs surged 55.9%, with ketamine and cocaine abuse cases rising 160% and 52%.

Youth drug abuse

In respect of youth drug abuse, a total of 403 youth and juvenile offenders under 21 years old were arrested for serious narcotics offences during the period, almost twice the 204 people arrested in the same period last year. Among them, over 90% were involved in using psychotropic substances.

Mr Lee stressed apart from education and publicity, Police have stepped up intelligence exchanges, enforcement and co-operation with overseas counterparts to contain the problem. New enforcement measures, such as bringing along drug-detector dogs and forensic pathologists when inspecting entertainment premises, have been effective in tackling drug abuse among youngsters.

When asked about the investigation into a series of cases involving criminal damage inflicted upon New World Development Company's facilities in early July, Mr Lee said Police have inspected more than 800 places and arrested 34 people.