At an Executive Yuan meeting on narcotics control today, Premier Sean Chen heard progress reports from government ministries and agencies regarding efforts to keep illegal drugs off Taiwan's streets.
The premier applauded the Ministry of Justice's (MOJ) Investigation Bureau and the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) for seizing 80 kilograms of heroin aboard a fishing vessel on August 20. This was the largest drug bust in a decade with a street value of more than NT$1 billion (US$33 million). Premier Chen instructed the MOJ and CGA to award the participating officers and encouraged all drug enforcement agencies to continue the good fight. Cutting off illicit drugs at their source will have a positive impact on the nation's economic and social development down the line, he added.
The Research, Development and Evaluation Commission delivered a report on the implementation of action plans from previous meetings. In response, Premier Chen directed the MOJ, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Department of Health (DOH) to incorporate the MOJ's drug control alliance program into their own working plans. The DOH will also work closer with civic and religious groups to strengthen treatment and support systems for addicts.
As for the MOJ's report on drug crimes, the premier affirmed the efforts of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office and local courts to set up a narcotics database, which will help investigators analyze crime rings and track the flow of controlled substances across up-, mid- and downstream levels. Chen reminded those present that data gathering serves more than statistical purposes; it also aids in identifying and resolving drug-related problems. Other agencies will provide further suggestions on making the statistics more meaningful.
After hearing a briefing by the Directorate General of Customs on crackdown operations, Premier Chen commended customs officers for processing large amounts of cargo and passengers with effectiveness and efficiency. Many drug smuggling cases have been cracked thanks to their cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Minister of Finance Tseng Ming-chung said that between January and June this year, 96 percent of the drugs smuggled into Taiwan originated in mainland China and Hong Kong. Tseng believes signing customs cooperation agreements with the two areas can be extremely helpful in combating drugs. Mainland China has already inked such a pact with Taiwan on August 9, while Hong Kong is still in talks with the Ministry of Finance. Customs officials will continue to strengthen cooperation and information exchange with their overseas counterparts.
The MOE reported on anti-drug campaigns and a narcotics activity notification system in schools. Premier Chen said DOH statistics indicate most users under 19 start with Schedule III drugs, which have a lower potential for abuse. It is therefore important to target the campaigns at young people, not only to curb drug use more effectively but to raise the quality of the nation's human resources. The premier added that the MOE plays a key role in preventing drug abuse in the population under 19, but it cannot complete the task alone. Cooperation between schools, government agencies and civic groups is also crucial.