New tactics: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee and Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung brief reporters on the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse report.

The Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse has proposed introducing legislation allowing compulsory testing of people suspected of consuming drugs.

Releasing the task force's report today Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung said compulsory drug testing will allow early intervention for treatment and rehabilitation, instead of facilitating prosecution.

The scheme will comprise a tiered intervention structure offering a warning or treatment and rehabilitation option for those who test positive, diverting them away from possible prosecution, which should be a last resort.

Mr Wong said public views should be sought before the scheme is taken forward, adding issues including the extent of coverage, human rights concerns, read-across implications on law and enforcement, resources as well as implementation details, should be carefully considered.

School-based testing

The task force suggested commissioning a research project to devise possible school-based drug testing schemes for voluntary adoption by schools.

The Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers should also provide a voluntary drug test service and other medical support.

The task force has also recommended a two-year pilot project to provide more focused, structured and intensive treatment programmes for young drug offenders.

Probation officers should enhance their co-ordinating and supervisory roles while judicial officers can play a stronger sanctioning role in the rehabilitative process.

Enhanced training

On preventive education the task force said resource kits should be developed to help schools formulate a healthy school policy with an anti-drug element. Professional training for teachers should be enhanced, and clear guidelines and protocols should be drawn up.

The Education Bureau should review and strengthen the anti-drug elements in various key learning areas and subjects.

Efforts should be enhanced to engage young people on the Internet. The Drug InfoCentre should also be updated and enhanced as the focal point and resource centre for drug education.

Cross-boundary co-operation

On cross-boundary drug abuse, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said Police will enhance co-operation with Mainland authorities.

For young drug abusers caught on the Mainland, Police will inform their parents or guardians so follow-up rehabilitative services can be provided to them when they are sent back to Hong Kong.

The Government will further discuss with Mainland authorities the repatriation of Hong Kong youngsters caught abusing drugs.

"We are strengthening the Juvenile Protection Service under the Police Superintendent Discretion Scheme, enhancing intelligence gathering capability on the Internet, and stepping up further collaboration with NGOs and industry stakeholders," Mr Lee added.

Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong will lead an interdepartmental working group to co-ordinate the implementation of the recommendations and report progress to the Action Committee Against Narcotics and Fight Crime Committee.

For details on the report click here.