A top Hong Kong narcotics official has rejected calls to offer cash rewards for tip-offs about the newly emerged drug “space oil”, stressing authorities should take a “very careful” approach to avoid affecting the development of young people.
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Commissioner for Narcotics Kesson Lee told a Legislative Council security panel meeting on Monday that a spate of arrests, including of teenagers, had been carried out in connection with the drug since a key ingredient was banned last month.
Legislator Chow Man-kong suggested the government consider rolling out a rewards scheme to encourage people to report suspected cases of space oil abuse via a dedicated platform.
“Could schools tell their students: ‘Hey, there will be a prize for reporting abuse, with a large sum of money’? I think this is the most effective way in combating usage, even more effective than advertising,” Chow said.
Lee dismissed the suggestion.
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“We must handle this very carefully as youngsters can be quite rebellious,” he said.