Police Hold Anti-Drug Carnival in West Kowloon, Emphasizing Educational Fun

The police are holding an anti-drug carnival in West Kowloon, starting today, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Anti-Drug Leaders Academy. The event, titled ‘LOL Party 2026’, combines student creativity, competitions, martial arts, and performances, with the goal of spreading anti-drug messages and supporting the healthy development of young people. The two-day event includes game stalls and a yo-yo competition, using a relaxed and fun format to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and encourage the active spread of anti-drug messages.

The Hong Kong Police Department's Narcotics Investigations Unit has organized a two-day festival named "LOL (Love Our Lives) Party 2026" at East Lawn in West Kowloon from November 7th to 8th to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Narcotics Leadership Academy. The event includes creative exhibits, competitions, martial arts performances, music shows, and an obstacle course competition. Commissioner Chou Ming believes that novel drugs such as etomidate pose significant threats to young people, prompting the police to explore ways to integrate drug-prevention education into their daily lives. The aim is to spread drug-prevention awareness through activities that resonate with young people. This includes the upcoming gala, which aims to instill drug awareness in attendees through joyful and relaxed activities, teaching them how to protect themselves and their loved ones. The Narcotics Leadership Academy integrates technology and creative media into its teaching and organizes overseas exchanges and visits within the Greater Bay Area to expose participants to international perspectives. Since its establishment, the academy has trained approximately 500 young leaders who have reached out to over 140,000 people with their drug prevention messages. The application for the new cohort has surged by four to five times, indicating a strong endorsement for the academy.

The festival features 20 stalls run by the Narcotics Leadership Academy students, engaging visitors with interactive games to enhance their understanding of drug dangers. Among the highlights is a gyro competition with 128 participants, encouraging resilience and a firm stance against drugs. The competition emphasizes the determination needed to keep spinning the gyros, a symbol of resisting the lure of drugs. An anti-drug short video creation competition also showcases participants' creativity as they express their concerns for drug prevention through videos. Actor Wong Yuen-lam is among the judges and award-givers who support young people's creative endeavors. The event also features music performances by recovering addicts, sharing their experiences of overcoming addiction and urging others to cherish life. Martial arts performances by the Hong Kong martial arts team will be taking place to motivate teens and young people to develop self-discipline and a positive attitude. The opening ceremony includes officials such as Deputy Commissioner Ye Yunlong, Criminal and Security Department Commissioner Chen Dong, Assistant Commissioner (Criminal) Zhong Yongmin, and Narcotics Leadership Academy Chairperson Wong Kam-tai.