However, this trend was reversed in 2000. In the past two years or so, although heroin remains the predominant drug of abuse, the proportion of drug abusers taking psychotropic substances is increasing. Nevertheless, stringent enforcement and extradition agreements with various nations have greatly reduced Hong Kong's role as a transit point. Both the Hong Kong Police Force and the Customs and Excise Department have scored considerable success in stopping illicit drug trafficking, breaking up syndicates and making large seizures. Vigorous efforts are made to prevent and detect the exploitation of the financial system for the laundering of drug proceeds.
International cooperation is a key element of investigative work.
The number of young persons under 21 reported to CRDA for the first time in 2000 was 2,760, representing 3.0 per thousand of the population aged from 11 to 20. Compared with the corresponding number of 1347 in 1999, an increase of 104.9 per cent was noted for newly reported young drug abusers. The law The illegal supply of dangerous drugs is a felony in Hong Kong. Amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance was made in March 1997 to provide for heavier sentencing for adults who have exploited young persons in the illegal drugs trade. The Control of Chemicals Ordinance provides for stringent control over 25 precursor chemicals to prevent their diversion for illicit manufacture of dangerous drugs.