U.S. and Hong Kong (2005)

U.S. Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Karen P. Tandy, Administrator
www.dea.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2005
CONTACT: DEA Public Affairs 202-307-7977

DEA ADMINISTRATOR KAREN P. TANDY TO ADDRESS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TACKLING DRUG ABUSE

During a two-day trip to Hong Kong SAR, DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy will deliver the keynote address at the "International Conference on Tackling Drug Abuse," an international criminal justice conference to be held in Hong Kong SAR. Ms. Tandy will address the conference at 10:15 am, on February 23, 2005.

As the keynote speaker at the conference, Ms. Tandy will talk about the importance of international cooperation to accomplish the mission of the DEA.

According to Administrator Tandy, "one country alone cannot solve the drug problem. This conference allows us to take a step forward by building global partnerships and by learning the latest research on drug addiction, the most recent trends in drug trafficking, and the most current initiatives that are keeping our young people off drugs."

She will also address the attendees on the importance of balance in developing drug control strategies by outlining the United States' emphasis on enforcement, treatment and prevention, and will underscore the importance of innovative approaches in curbing drug abuse.

Administrator Tandy stated, "We know it is not possible to arrest our way out of the drug problem. In the United States, we are finding innovative ways, such as drug courts and the newly launched Medical Examiner Database, to prevent drug abuse and treat those dependent on drugs."

Later in the morning, Administrator Tandy will also address the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Money Laundering Symposium. The money laundering symposium will be attended by senior officials from the Hong Kong Department of Justice, Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. DEA representatives for Bangkok, Seoul, Beijing, Singapore and senior law enforcement officials from Mainland China, Singapore, Thailand and Korea will also be in attendance.

The DEA has emphasized the importance of "following the money" in its efforts to dismantle large trafficking organizations. "To make a significant impact on the drug trade, there is no strategy more effective than following the money back to the source and eliminating the profits that fuel the operation of drug networks, their financial infrastructure, and the illicit systems through which drug money is laundered," the Administrator stated.

DEA Administrator Tandy's recorded comments can be accessed using the following:

Dial: 888-557-6494
Enter: 713,714,715,716 at prompt (note: you will need to dial separately for each quote)

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