The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee, today (June 16) commended Hong Kong Customs for its role in guarding the busy control points against crime.
Speaking at a passing-out parade for 38 Inspectors at the Customs and Excise Training School, Mr Lee said that together with other disciplined services, their concerted efforts had made Hong Kong one of the safest cities in the world.
"The Customs and Excise Department covers a wide spectrum of work to uphold the law and order of our society, including combating illicit drug trafficking and smuggling activities, protecting intellectual property rights and consumers' rights.
"Customs has also striven to secure Hong Kong as a major trade, transportation and logistics hub in Asia by maintaining smooth passenger and cargo clearance at all control points," he said.
Turning to Customs liaison work with the Mainland and the international world, Mr Lee said, "With the fast economic development in the Mainland, Hong Kong Customs has strengthened co-operation with its counterparts in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region to enhance logistics flows, customs clearance and efficiency. This has contributed to the regional economic advancement.
"In the next few years, we expect a number of cross-boundary logistics and passenger clearance projects to come on stream that will considerably increase the heavy workload of Hong Kong Customs. These include the operation of Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line that will help to relieve the crowded conditions at Lo Wu Control Point; and the adoption of the "co-location" arrangement for the first time at the Shenzhen Bay Port," he said.
In the realm of international cooperation, Hong Kong Customs is committed to achieving the "SAFE Framework of Standards" promulgated by the World Customs Organisation, with the objective of balancing trade facilitation and promoting customs clearance. In this respect, the department has introduced measures to safeguard the security of the supply chain of international trade.
"Customs has also co-operated well with the law enforcement agencies in other customs territories and pooled together resources from various authorities through a multi-pronged strategy to curb cross-border drug-trafficking activities and syndicates," Mr Lee said.
He noted that the operation codenamed "ScentHound" that was mounted earlier this year by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs and the United States' Drug Enforcement Administration was a successful example demonstrating tripartite co-operation.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of a Colombia-based cocaine trafficking syndicate. A haul of cocaine, with an estimated market value of $105 million, and nine people were netted on the Mainland and in Hong Kong.
Mr Lee encouraged the officers to apply their knowledge gained from the training and to demonstrate their dedication in their careers.
Accompanying Mr Lee at the passing-out parade was the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Timothy Tong.
A total of 38 Inspectors who had completed 32 weeks of highly demanding training participated in the ceremony.
Among them, two top recruits were awarded Whistles of Honour by the Secretary for Security.
Ends/Friday, June 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:45