Far-reaching big data-powered intelligence exchange across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is crucial to stem the flow of illicit drugs in the 11-city cluster, Hong Kong’s security chief said on Friday.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung told a high-level anti-narcotics conference that artificial intelligence (AI) can be employed to bolster efficiency, and drones and robots can be used to patrol and monitor border crossings, moving towards a highly efficient, technology-driven anti-narcotics system.
He made the remarks at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Anti-Drug Summit, part of events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong’s Action Committee Against Narcotics.
READ MORE: GBA: Cross-border collaboration against narcotics enhanced
Tang said that cities in the Greater Bay Area need to work together to revolutionize anti-drug outreach to effectively protect young people. “Since young people are the primary targets of drug dealers, anti-drug outreach must reform both online and offline communication channels to align with their lifestyles,” he said.
Efforts should also be made to enlist the help of non-governmental organizations and social forces across the region, added Tang.
“The fight against drugs is not solely the HKSAR government's responsibility but a mission for the whole of society,” he said, adding that efforts will be made to encourage enterprises to practice social responsibility, promote drug education in schools, and establish community watch networks.
READ MORE: HK govt plans crackdown on surge in 'space oil' drug abuse
This enhanced cooperation builds on a strong foundation of existing collaboration. The secretary revealed that in 2024 alone, joint Greater Bay Area operations successfully cracked 23 major drug cases, seizing over 2.2 metric tons of narcotics and arresting nearly 100 suspects.
“Yunzhan-Duanliu”, a joint operation between Hong Kong and mainland authorities launched in 2022, has seized about 6.5 metric tons of various drugs and arrested 123 suspects.
These achievements comprehensively demonstrate that cross-boundary cooperation is a crucial foundation for combating drug-related crimes in the Greater Bay Area, added Tang.
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
