Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jun 2005
Source: Taipei Times, The (Taiwan)
Copyright: 2005 The Taipei Times
Contact:  http://www.taipeitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1553

POLICE MUST DO MORE TO STOP DRUG SCOURGE, JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS

CNA , Taipei - Minister of Justice Shih Mao-lin said yesterday police 
officers should do more to crack down on drug trafficking and use because 
such offenses have been closely associated with other criminal activities.

Shih made the remarks while attending a "drug-free homeland" activity 
organized by the Taipei Prosecutor's Office to mark the June 26 
International Anti-Drug Day.

In 2003 and last year, Shih said, more than 8,400kg of contraband drugs 
were seized around the country. Worse still, he said, 30-plus amphetamine 
producing facilities were discovered during the same period, indicating 
that amphetamine production has gradually moved back to Taiwan from China.

"Official tallies also show that the number of repeat drug abusers and 
traffickers has been steadily rising," Shih said, adding that law 
enforcement agencies should strengthen cooperation in cracking down on 
drug-related crimes.

In addition, Shih said he is hopeful that community volunteers, school 
teachers and administrators as well as media outlets can launch a joint 
publicity campaign to help the public understand the dangers drugs pose to 
human health, social order and even national security.

Since many Taiwanese drug traffickers are believed to be hiding in China, 
Shih urged Beijing to intensify investigations into its domestic drug trade 
and cooperate with Taiwan to thwart drug trafficking across the Taiwan Strait.

"China should set aside its political ideology and cooperate with Taiwan to 
stamp out drug-related crime for the sake of protecting public health and 
social order," he said.

Shih's appeal for a redoubled crackdown on drug crime came two days after 
President Chen Shui-bian (3/$o+o) said drug abuse is not just a personal 
moral issue but has become an issue crucial to public order, social 
stability, public health and national security.

During his meeting with individual volunteers and social groups that have 
made outstanding contributions to the anti-drug campaign over the past 
year, Chen said many crimes are related to drugs.

"With drug use on the increase, new ecstasy shipment arriving and the 
number of repeat drug abusers and traffickers rising steadily, drug-related 
crime has become rampant," Chen said, adding that drug abuse has also 
become a major cause behind the rise in the number of people affected with 
HIV in Taiwan.

Against this backdrop, Chen said he hopes individual volunteers and 
interest groups will continue their efforts in assisting the government in 
eradicating drug trafficking and abuse.
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