Police launch fifth cohort of youth anti-drug leadership program

The Hong Kong Police Force has officially launched the fifth cohort of the Leadership Institute on Narcotics (L.I.O.N.), a flagship initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of young anti-drug leaders.      

At the launch ceremony on Saturday, Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming highlighted the growing challenge posed by the abuse of etomidate, emphasizing the need for the L.I.O.N. programme to adapt to the evolving drug landscape. This year's curriculum features not only leadership, legal, and medical training, but also new modules on generative artificial intelligence, equipping participants to harness technology in anti-drug initiatives. The annual exchange tour to the Chinese Mainland will be extended to three days and two nights, providing mentees with expanded opportunities for cross-border learning in the Greater Bay Area.      

This year also marks the fifth anniversary of L.I.O.N. To celebrate, the Police will roll out a series of citywide events, including the debut of the “L.I.O.N.–mobile,” an anti-drug short video competition, and a carnival designed to showcase the innovative work of past and current mentees and to promote a drug-free lifestyle.      

Chow expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Youth Development Alliance, previous executive committee members, trainers, and educators for their contributions to the programme. He called on the new cohort to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by L.I.O.N. and to collaborate with the wider community in building a drug-free society.  

During the ceremony, previous awardees reflected on their recent exchange trip to New Zealand, noting how it broadened their perspective on public outreach and community involvement in anti-drug campaigns. They expressed hope that these lessons would enhance their future efforts as anti-drug ambassadors.      

Launched by the Police Narcotics Bureau in 2021, L.I.O.N. recruits 80 secondary students and 20 undergraduates each year, offering them a comprehensive suite of training, field visits, and exchange programmes to empower youth in spreading anti-drug awareness across the community.