Order call: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says although Hong Kong treasures freedom of expression, Police will maintain law and order during the Olympic Torch Relay.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has appealed to people wanting to demonstrate during the Olympic Torch Relay to exercise restraint and not hinder the tens of thousands of spectators expected to welcome the runners.

Speaking after today's Fight Crime Committee meeting Mr Lee said although Hong Kong treasures freedom of expression, Police will maintain law and order and officers will protect the convoy.

On the first-quarter crime situation, Mr Lee said there was a near 40% rise in young people taking drugs, although the figure for juveniles fell. He said the task force led by the Secretary for Justice will soon implement measures to tackle the drug problem.

Overall crime and violent crime figures fell 6.1% and 4.9% in the first quarter, with the former mainly due to falls in deception cases, miscellaneous thefts, theft from vehicle, wounding and serious assault cases.

The quarter saw 14 homicides, more than triple last year's figure.

There were 736 serious narcotics offences, up 9.4%. Heroin seizures rose 54.5%, while those of cannabis, ice and ecstasy fell 99.5%, 96.4% and 88.8%.