Macao's Drug Control Policy and the Situation of Drug Problem

1. Macao's Drug Control Policy

Controlling the supply and reducing demand by distribution of tasks in different organizations, co-operations and combining public forces, to enforce thoroughly all kinds of anti-drug tactics have always been the prominent anti-drug strategies for the Macao government. The task of combating drug-related crimes and drug dependence as well as treatment are executed by relevant departments of the Secretary for Security and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Government of the Macao SAR.

In recent years, the authority has reinforced the law enforcement against drug-related crimes, and continued revising so as to be closer to the actual situation. The government attaches great concern on the development of the study and to external anti-drug co-operation.

2. Drug-related situation in Macao

In 2003, drug-related crimes were still under control. The overall situation was slightly stabilized compared with 2002. According to data from Macao SAR Secretary for Security, drug trafficking cases decreased 15.9% in comparison with 2002; nevertheless, the number of drug addicts arrested rose. In the same year, the Judicial Police arrested 205 with drug-related suspects. Among them, 45 were suspected with trafficking and 155 were drug-taking suspects. Drugs analyzed throughout the year by the Forensic Laboratory of Judicial Police included 115g of heroin, 978g of cannabis, 6g of "ice", 52g of ketamine, 4g of cocaine and 6,400 tablets of restricted pills (mostly sedatives).

Among drugs seized in 2003, traditional drugs such as heroin, cannabis and sedatives increased significantly compared with 2002 while other kinds of trendy drugs like ketamine and ecstasy declined. Recently, in Macao, there emerged a rather new and rare chemical compound drug, commonly called "YA-BA". Its main compositions are Methamphetamine and caffeine. The trend of usage of this drug is under strict surveillance of the police.

Besides, according to statistics of Macao SAR Prosecutor, in 2003, 174 drug cases were registered for investigation, totaling 197 prosecutions. 88 cases involved drug trafficking, with 36 prosecutions. There were 86 cases of trafficking, a small amount trafficking, trafficking-drug taking and illegal drug possession, with 161 prosecutions.

Concerning the statistics on drug dependence in Macao, 634 drug abusers were recorded in 2003(including 384 voluntary detoxification cases from the government and non-governmental treatment centers. In addition, there were about 250 drug addict prisoners, but excluding those being repeatedly registered). The number has increased 17.6% compared with 547 drug abusers in 2002. The rise is mainly due to those who have sought help again. In 2003, 89 new cases for treatment were registered, a slight decrease when compared with 99 cases in 2002. According to the overall drug abuse situation, there have been no important changes in Macao. Heroin remains the most highly consumed, followed by psychotropic substances. About 90% of persons who undertake drug treatment are male. A tendency towards feminization and younger users has not been noticeable.