JPC Anti-Narcotics and Fight Crime 3×3 Basketball Training Programme 2025 kicks off (with photos)
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The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (July 6) held the kick-off ceremony for the Junior Police Call (JPC) Anti-Narcotics and Fight Crime 3×3 Basketball Training Programme 2025. The year-long Programme, sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, combines basketball training with anti-drug and crime prevention education. Through organising school seminars, basketball training and tournaments, volunteering service, as well as exchange tours in the Greater Bay Area, values of healthy life are promoted among the youth.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that the Programme, firstly launched last year, has achieved remarkable results in delivering crime prevention messages via sports training which is good for the physical and mental well-being. This year, the Programme will be extended to 66 secondary and primary schools across Hong Kong, with nearly 6 000 teachers and students participating.
Mr Chow stated that, it is hoped to convey three important messages to young people through the Programme: to firmly stay away from drugs, especially the recently emerging etomidate, and to strengthen the defence against drug; to establish and reinforce legal awareness and law-abiding behavior as well as safeguarding national security; and to foster correct values, cultivate a caring spirit and a sense of responsibility to contribute to the society. He sincerely thanked The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Teens and Elderly Mission Committee, schools and community stakeholders for their support and participation.
From January to May this year, 83 youths were arrested for serious drug-related offences, marking a year-on-year increase of 40 per cent. On February 14 this year, the Government has listed etomidate and its three analogues (metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate) as dangerous drugs. As at May 31, 94 individuals under the age of 21 (the youngest being 12) were arrested for offences related to “space oil drug”.
To promote anti-drug education, besides holding seminars, the Programme also arranges school visits by players from the Hong Kong A1 Division Championship basketball teams to provide professional coaching, aiming to help participants develop a healthy lifestyle and stay away from drugs. At the ceremony, students having joined the Programme last year shared that professional training enhanced their basketball skills and confidence. They also learnt about various scam tactics through the Programme and actively shared crime prevention tips with their families and friends.