In Brief

Proportion of young smokers falls

The proportion of smokers aged 15 to 19 has fallen from 3.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2005 to 2.4 per cent in the same period this year, Census and Statistics figures show. The Food and Health Bureau claimed credit for the reduction, saying it was the result of its smoking ban, publicity and education.

Two held over shoplifting spree

Police arrested two mainland visitors, aged 23 and 24, and seized HK$1,300 worth of cosmetics, milk powder and vitamin pills allegedly stolen from three shops in Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, at about 2pm yesterday. One of the men had arrived from the mainland just hours before they were arrested. They were being held for questioning last night and no charges had been laid.

Suspected drug courier arrested

Acting on a tip-off, police arrested a 40-year-old man at the Lo Wu border checkpoint at about 11pm on Tuesday as he returned from Shenzhen on suspicion that he had swallowed pellets of high-grade heroin worth about HK$30,000. The man was taken to North District Hospital for observation.

Minibus, car hit toppled truck

A truck toppled on to its side and a following minibus and car ran into it on Yuen Long Highway near Shan Pui River, Yuen Long, at 6am yesterday. Three men, aged 25, 43 and 50, were treated for minor injuries at Pok Oi Hospital.

Workers hurt by shattering glass

Three workers at One IFC suffered minor injuries when a 3-metre-tall glass door shattered at the Harbour View Street entrance to the office tower shortly before 10.30am.