HK Opens First Drug Resource CenterHong Kong's first ever drug resource center which aims to enhance preventive education for young people opened to the public Monday on the occasion of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security Regina Ip said the government and Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) of Hong Kong had taken a number of initiatives and actions to tackle the rising trend for psychotropic substance abuse. "Correcting young people's misconception of the effects of drugs is not an easy task. But in the long term, preventive education is the key to success in our long battle against narcotics," she stressed. Ip said the drug resource center, which will provide better service for the public and anti-drug workers, will play a major role in educating young people on the harmful effects of drugs. Phase I of the "Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCenter" includes a library with more than 8,000 items, a multi-purpose room with a capacity for 150 persons for drug education talks, seminars, ceremonies and functions, and a meeting room for volunteers who assist in community involvement programs and support of the center. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Fund donated 38.4 million HK dollars (4.92 million U.S. dollars) for the second phase development, which will involve the construction of a custom built exhibition hall and the setting up of exhibits. Construction works will start in early 2001 and are expected to be completed by 2002/2003. |
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