Enhanced enforcement by Police and Customs officers saw a rise in ketamine and ecstasy seizures last year, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said Thursday, emphasizing that Hong Kong is not a drug transshipment center.

As more mainland cities experience rapid economic growth, more international drug syndicates may want to develop the China market and consider using Hong Kong as a transshipment point, Lee said. However, he reiterated, that Hong Kong law enforcement agencies can combat international drug activities.

Speaking after a Fight Crime Committee meeting, Lee said although there was a 4.5 percent rise in crime last year, Hong Kong is a safe city.

On counterfeit banknotes, he said with the rise in mainland visitors and the circulation of renminbi, the number of counterfeit renminbi notes in Hong Kong may increase slightly. But he assured that Police have the ability to combat the use of fake renminbi. Police have already contacted the retail industry, teaching them how to differentiate genuine renminbi from fakes.

On new arrangements for obstetric services and immigration measures, Lee said the measures aim to ensure local pregnant women are given priority service. Since the implementation of the new measures, about 70 pregnant mainland women have undergone health checks at immigration points daily. Only one to two per day have been returned to the mainland.

Source: Xinhua