HONG KONG: Drug raids during the weekend at discos in Shenzhen are expected to cool the ardor among Hong Kong teens for going across the border to get stoned.

Hong Kong social workers made the observation yesterday after police swooped down on discos and clubs, arresting more than 200 people. Many of those caught up in the sweep are believed to be from Hong Kong. Charges arising from the crackdown involve using drugs and other related crimes.

Raymond Fung Hing-kau, the social work supervisor of the Caritas Hugs Centre, which helps young drug abusers to kick the habit, said the raids will also help deter cross-border drug trafficking.

He said ketamine sells for HK$70 to HK$80 a gram in Shenzhen, about 30 percent cheaper than in Hong Kong.

Some youngsters may risk bringing drugs back from Shenzhen bit by bit and then resell them at a higher price, said Fung.

He said it has become less prevalent for Hong Kong teens to take drugs in Shenzhen in recent months, partly owing to the repeated raids by law enforcement.

Fung urged Shenzhen authorities to carry out drug raids in entertainment venues more often in summer so as to discourage Hong Kong teens.

He noted that some youngsters not only snort drugs across the border, but also have unsafe sex, leading to a higher risk of their contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Fung warned that teens may still take drugs in Hong Kong even though they go to Shenzhen discos less frequently.

He suggested parents take note of whether their kids seem sleepy a lot of the time or show signs of slurred speech.

Edward Hung Ling-ki, the unit-in-charge of Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin Outreaching Social Work Team of the Federation of Youth Groups, said as detention procedures on the mainland are completely different from those in Hong Kong, many youngsters are afraid of being arrested across the border.

"A teenage boy told me about two years ago that he decided to kick the habit after being ordered to drug rehabilitation on the mainland. The experience was a shock to him," said Hung.

Wendy Hon Siu-wan, the center-in-charge of Hong Kong Christian Service's Centre for Psychotropic Substance Abusers, said the raids will pose a deterrent effect on youngsters as they will pass the news by word of mouth.

"It will probably make them less motivated to go as they fear to be caught," she said.

Hon added teenagers will be less likely to take drugs if they enjoy school life or have jobs with good prospects.

Hong Kong police said they are seeking more information from mainland authorities to follow up the incident.

The Security Bureau said the government will deal with the cross-border drug taking problem along with Shenzhen authorities.

(HK Edition 07/07/2009 page1)