HONG KONG: The government wants to hurry up the introduction of a school-based voluntary drug-testing scheme. The move comes on the heels of reports almost in tandem of local students taking drugs in recent days. Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said yesterday the government expected to hire a consultant in September to conduct a detailed report on the possible impact of the program.

He explained the administration must take into account the protection of students' privacy and the worry of schools, as well as any labeling effect before implementation.

He emphasized however that the priority must be to help young drug abusers quit the habit.

"To win the anti-drug battle, (we) cannot solely rely on law enforcement or the Security Bureau. We need to mobilize the power of the whole society," he said.

The city was shocked by a number of drug-related incidents involving local youth last week.

(HK Edition 06/09/2009 page1)