"The previous year was a busy and challenging one," he said, "but operations against triads and drug trafficking were successful and many good arrests were made.

"We mounted a series of operations and raided a number of black spots where we seized a number of weapons, heroin, cannabis, ketamine, 'ice', morphine, smuggled cigarettes, marked oil and pirated compact discs. These operations resulted in the arrest of 388 persons and the number of young offenders arrested for drug offences dropped 38 per cent in 2002.

"Your support of projects designed to persuade young people to adopt a healthy and crime-free lifestyle has ensured their success and, with this multi-professional approach, I look forward to consolidating resources and strength, and working hand-in-hand with all of you to help even more juveniles stay away from crime," said Mr Mak.

Earlier in March, Sau Mau Ping District appointed 17 officer-ambassadors to the 'School-Multi-Agencies-Parents Project'.

The officers had just completed a two-day Ambassador Training Course organised by professionally qualified and experienced staff employed by the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong.

The ambassadorial officers serve as mentors and role models for students identified by their respective schools as being at 'marginal risk' of becoming juvenile delinquents.

Accolades for Kowloon East School Liaison Group's Fight Against Youth Crime