Ideas exchange: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee (right) observes a drug test during a visit to Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau.

Proposed compulsory drug testing of people suspected of having taken dangerous drugs is mainly aimed at early identification of drug abusers for treatment and rehabilitation, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

At a meeting with the Director of Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau Ng Seng Liang, Mr Lee said the Administration would conduct a consultation later in the year to invite public views on drug-testing proposals.

Mr Lee told Singaporean officials that Hong Kong does not tolerate drug abuse.

"The significant increase in the number of young people abusing drugs has become a serious concern in Hong Kong in recent years, and a more effective tool has to be found to help tackle the problem," he said.

"We hope to be able to draw some useful reference from the Singaporean experience when formulating detailed proposals for the public consultation," he said.