Aim

To suppress illicit trafficking in and abuse of dangerous drugs, to combat money laundering and to prevent diversion of controlled chemicals for the illicit manufacture of dangerous drugs.

Brief Description

The Department is responsible for investigating and detecting the illegal import, export, manufacture, distribution and abuse of dangerous drugs. It conducts financial investigations to trace the assets of drug traffickers and initiates confiscation proceedings in respect of drug-related assets. It also exercises licensing control on the import, export and transhipment of controlled chemicals and conducts investigations to prevent and detect their illicit diversion.

The Department co-operates with other Customs administrations and law enforcement agencies outside Hong Kong to combat international drug trafficking and money laundering, and to prevent illicit diversion of controlled chemicals. This work includes:

• surveillance, investigations and operations to combat organised drug syndicates and individual drug offenders;
• identification and confiscation of drug-related assets derived from offences committed in or outside Hong Kong;
• liaison and co-operation with drug enforcement agencies and other competent authorities in or outside Hong Kong in the suppression of international drug trafficking and illicit diversion of controlled chemicals; and
• collection, collation and exchange of intelligence with law enforcement agencies in or outside Hong Kong.