Illicit drugs on ships entering Hong Kong

From 1974 to 1982 government authorities in Hong Kong seized 672 kilograms of illicit drugs in 721 seizures on board 254 vessels. As those vessels exceeded 250 gross tons, they were not subject to forfeiture under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (1935). Thus, an amendment to that Ordinance was adopted and came into force on 15 January 1983. It provides for the imposition of a maximum fine of $HK 5 million on the owners of ships exceeding 250 gross tons if such ships are found to have carried excessive quantities of illicit drugs on two occasions within a period of 18 months. The excessive quantity is defined as 3,000 grams of opium or cannabis and 500 grams of any other dangerous drug. Such ships may be forfeited to the Crown if the financial penalty is not paid.