Congestion indigestion DEAR SIR, The recent start of construction work to improve the drainage system in Mong Kok has resulted in serious traffic congestion. Consequently, members of EU KW have had to spend a lot of extra time stuck in the ensuing traffic jams in order to travel back to their base during meal times. Taking into account that the congestion will worsen (as the construction work gets into full swing) before it gets better, I would like to suggest that Force management allow EU KW members to have their meals in other, less congested districts in the Region.  A Police Constable of EU KW (name supplied) REPLY . . . DEAR SIR, "I would like to thank the author of the letter for his suggestion. SP EU KW is presently liaising with Divisional Commanders regarding the storage of weapons during meal break periods. If storage is allowed, the proposal will be implemented."  Ms Grace Leung for RC KW

Australian/HK Police co-operation leads to one of the biggest heroin seizures ever SP Bernard To surrounded by CIP Andy  Bradley (seated right), SIP Ron Abbott  (seated left), and D/Sgt Cheng Bing-chung  of the Narcotics Bureau who all played  an important role in the 400 kilogram  heroin seizure The following letter was recently sent to Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee . . . DEAR REGINA,  I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the excellent work done in close co-operation between the Hong Kong and the Australian Police authorities which brought about one of the most significant drug hauls in recent times. The social impact of this operation, and its effect on the international narcotics trade is very significant. It is a very practical outcome of a long period of closely working together by Australian and Hong Kong government agencies and underlines the importance to us both of the excellent bilateral relationship. As you know, in Australia on 14 October 1998 the Australian Federal Police (AFP), with the assistance of the New South Wales Police and Australian Customs Service, seized approximately 400 kilograms of heroin. As a result of the seizure, 18 people were arrested in Australia. The seizure and arrests were a result of a joint investigation between the AFP and the Hong Kong Police. The investigation began in August 1998. Since that time the Hong Kong Police Narcotics Bureau and AFP worked very closely to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion. The information obtained indicates those involved in heroin importation are well established narcotic traffickers in the Asia/Pacific region. This heroin seizure is the largest ever in Australia, one of the biggest ever recorded, and will have a substantial impact on the heroin trade in Australia. The Australian Government would like to extend its thanks to the Hong Kong Police for their assistance and co-operation throughout the investigation, which is a demonstration of the close professional relationship that exists between the Hong Kong Police and law enforcement agencies in Australia. The investigation is also an example of how crucial international law enforcement co-operation is in the "fight" against the globalisation of crime. Would you please pass my thanks to Commissioner Hui and his officers for their excellent work.  Yours sincerely Susan Boyd Australian Consul General Hong Kong

National Day DEAR SIR, Your photo feature on the role of police during the celebration of National Day again highlights the pre-eminence that the Force enjoys in its ceremonial role. I am delighted to inform you that some officers of Wanchai Division have also been given formal recognition for their hard work through this important day. The considerable efforts of particularly the JPOs in the Divisional Task Force, but also other UB units, CID and our Auxiliary counterparts in what has been alternatively known as the "longest day" (some officers from the Division commenced work at 05:30 and did not finish until 23:00), was a privilege for me to witness. It is pleasing to note that the esprit de corps of the officers who worked behind the scenes has also been recognised.  Patrick Hodson ADC, Ops Wanchai

OBITUARY Roy Vincent Francis Turner LVO, MBE, QPM, CPM 1915 - 1998 ROY TURNER, who retired from the Hong Kong Police in 1963 as Assistant Commissioner of Police, passed away on 17 September 1998 in the UK. Born in England on 17 June 1915, Roy Turner served with the Palestine Police from 1936 to 1948 before joining the Hong Kong Police in July 1948. During his distinguished career with the Hong Kong Police, Mr Turner, who spoke Cantonese, Arabic and Hebrew, was awarded the Colonial Police Medal, the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service, and became a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order as well as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Former ACP Turner's funeral, attended by family, friends and ex-Hong Kong Police officers, was held at Uffington Church. Mr Turner was 83.