ases on ice (methylamphetamine) and related stimulants such as ecstasy,

amphetamine-type substances, etc. in Hong Kong.

a press conference called was held on November 17, 1997 at the Hong Kong

Science Museum Lecture Hall, followed by a seminar on "The Myth of Ice".

During the press conference, Director Mr Ng Shui Lai, MBE, JP, explained the

reasons in the increase of ice abusers and gave an analysis on the cases being

handled by the PS33 in the first 10 months of 1997. He also suggested the

different solutions in assisting ice abusers to rehabilitate.

Supervisor of PS33-Centre for Psychotropic Substance Abusers, discussed

about the abuse problems of ice and other related stimulants in Hong Kong;

Dr Lai Tze Kin, Senior Medical Officer of Substance Abuse Clinic of Kowloon

Hospital, discussed the different types of drugs and related stimulants from a

medical approach; while Mr Szeto Ming Wong, Centre-in-charge of

PS33-Centre for Psychotropic Substance Abusers, shared his experience in

working on ice abuse cases. There were approximately 200 people who

attended the conference. Among them were youth workers, drug rehabilitation

workers, medical crews, and professionals from the Social Welfare Department

and Correctional Services Department.

of ice workhouse increased rapidly among the Guangdong and Fujian provinces

and taking the advantage of convenient transportation, Hong Kong has

developed into an active market for ice. Inexpensive prices (HK$200 to

HK$300 per gram for ice, HK$100 per capsule for ecstasy, amphetamine-type

substances and misleading media reports such as use of sexual content and

wild happiness also attracted more and more young people to go on drugs.

Figures showed that over half of the service recipients are below 24 years old.

which helps to loose one's appetite, many women are tempted to use it to loose

weight and keep their bodies fit. According to an analysis among the cases

handled by the PS33 in the first 10 months of 1997, 40% of them involved

women and most of them were trying to use drugs to loose weight.

look into this problem and to come up with solutions before the situation

becomes any worse. These solutions include actions taken against drug sellers,

reinforce education on prevention, and put in more resources on professional

training. Research should also be done on ice in order to develop the most