Hong Kong Police Saturday said they had stepped up intelligence exchange with Chinese mainland authorities to combat drug trafficking and weed out supply of ketamine.

Police Narcotics Bureau Chief Superintendent Ip Lau-chuen said inspections had been strengthened over the past two years to deter drug abuse as the mainland implemented a new policy in October to tackle the issue.

Under the new policy, Hong Kong and Macao people netted for drug abuse in the mainland will be detained for 15 days and have their home visit permits revoked for three years.

Ip said the move would have a deterrent effect, adding there were signs that the supply and abuse of ketamine was declining following 49 kilograms cocaine seized in the first 11 months of this year.

The price per one gram of cocaine fell from 1,100 Hong Kong dollars at the beginning of this year to 600 now, added Ip.

On drug abuse among young people, Ip stressed schools and parents were the key to keeping youngsters away from drugs, and called on teachers and parents to play their part in giving youngsters a healthy lifestyle.

"The upward trend was a global one, co-operation with relevant authorities on the mainland and overseas would be strengthened to tackle to problem," added Ip.

Source: Xinhua