At the time the 'Ordinance for the Suppression of the Triad and other Secret Societies' was tabled on January 8, 1845 by the rulers of the then fledgling British colony, it was believed 75 per cent of the local population were triad members. The punishment for those caught was a branding under the left arm and deportation at the discretion of the judge.
Last week, more than 160 years later, 18 people from the lifestyle and fashion store G.O.D were arrested for selling a T-shirt and postcard series printed with the Chinese characters for '14k'. Among those held was store owner Douglas Young.
Mr Young said last week that while he could not comment on the ongoing investigation, G.O.D was his response to the cultural abuse he had received as a youngster in an English boarding school: 'So I am trying to right the injustice by telling the world how magnificent my cultural roots are.'
Mr Young may have pride in Hong Kong's heritage, but venturing into the signs and symbols of triad societies suggests he lacks understanding of the reasons police continue to enforce this law.
The 1960 history Triad Societies in Hong Kong says that 14k was initially formed by the nationalist troops as a last gasp attempt to stop the advancing communists. They were defeated, and many of the members sought refuge in Hong Kong, where they grew into one of the city's most significant criminal organisations.
Triads all retain at least symbolic links to a patriotic movement on the mainland dating back to the mid-18th century and they have remained outside the law. The traditional Triad Society motto, 'Overthrow the Ch'ing and Restore the Ming', refers to the original aim of restoring Han Chinese rule to China. Many of the initiation rituals, including incense, animal sacrifice and blood bonds, can be traced back hundreds of years.
There are 36 oaths which members traditionally must swear, and highly elaborate ceremonies to demand loyalty and urge death to those who betray the society. The ceremonies have undoubtedly been made simpler as police detection has increased, but police are adamant they have not completely passed into history. More than 10,000 current members have taken an oath of some description.