Anti-Drug Program Celebrates 60 Years of ACAN Efforts in Hong Kong

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video)

The large-scale anti-drug variety TV programme "Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!" presented by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was held at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O this evening (June 13). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, delivered a speech at the programme and officiated at the kick-off ceremony of a series of spectacular anti-drug performances along with the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and other guests.

Mr Chan said in his speech that Hong Kong was previously plagued by drug problems in the 1960s. Since the establishment of ACAN, the Government and various sectors of the community have been working together to combat drug problems. From 1977, when records started to be kept, to 2024, the total number of reported drug abusers has dropped by as much as 70 per cent. Last year, the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested for serious drug offences was at a record low. ACAN has been instrumental in the success of Hong Kong's anti-drug efforts.

He said, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Action Committee Against Narcotics. I am glad to be able to take part in the programme today and review with everyone the development of the anti-drug efforts in Hong Kong on this important occasion...On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have participated in the anti-drug cause...I would like to appeal to all members of the public to help spread the steadfast message of 'Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!' and work together towards a drug-free future to safeguard the health of every member of the public."

At the opening ceremony, Mr Chan led the officiating guests in activating a device, after which seven props symbolising different drugs were dropped into a machine symbolising the destruction of pernicious drugs. Mr Chan led the officiating guests to read out the anti-drug slogan "Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!" to launch a series of spectacular anti-drug performances.

Delivering a speech through a recorded short video for the programme, Dr Li said that the progress of Hong Kong's anti-drug efforts owed a lot to the active participation of members of the public in Hong Kong and the concerted efforts of several generations in the fight against drugs over the past 60 years. He thanked everyone who had participated in anti-drug work before for their contributions. "I invite you, in front of the TV, to continue to participate actively in the anti-drug efforts. I believe that with your participation, a drug-free Hong Kong is just around the corner," he added.

In the programme, various young idols and singers performed songs with positive messages, including an upbeat anti-drug theme song that shares with young people positive energy and encourages them to hold dear to positive values in life.

Members of Hong Kong Customs' "Customs YES" played the harp and danced in a musical segment. Through the impact of classical music and modern dance, a message was conveyed that positive hobbies not only broaden one's horizons and let one's talents shine, but also strengthen one's determination against drugs.

Members of the Hong Kong Police Force's "Leadership Institute on Narcotics" performed rope skipping and hip hop dance with energetic vibes, letting the audience know that one of the best ways to resist the temptation of drugs is to build a strong body and a determined mind through sports. Wushu athlete Juanita Mok and table tennis athlete Wong Chun-ting also cheered for youngsters in this segment with their respective fortes - Wushu (Taolu) that combines strength and flexibility, and table tennis, which is known for its speed.

Members of the Correctional Services Department's "Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders" performed in the form of busking with ukulele, electric piano and guitars, in the hope of striking a chord with young people and expressing through the songs that a healthy state of mind is essential for staying away from drugs.

In addition, the programme has arranged for artists to re-enact short plays based on the true stories of rehabilitees who have successfully quit drugs. The rehabilitees have participated in the plays themselves.

Co-organised by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and ACAN, and produced by Television Broadcasts Limited, the programme aims to review Hong Kong's anti-drug history over the past 60 years and rally community support for combating drug problems. Audience members from different sectors, including students, youth groups and representatives from the education and social welfare sectors, attended the programme. This programme is one of the eventsheld in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of ACAN.

The programme will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 9pm on June 21. Members of the public are welcome to watch and disseminate anti-drug messages for building a drug-free Hong Kong together.

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-drug variety TV programme reviews 60 years of anti-drug history envisioning drug-free Hong Kong (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Scam alert related to banks

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.

Bank

Type of scam

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

Chong Hing Bank Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

HKMA, Photo source: reference image