Hong Kong parents arrested after urine test of toddler reveals crystal meth

A two-year-old girl’s urine test revealed she had an illegal drug in her body, prompting the arrest of her parents at a public hospital in the early hours of Friday.

The toddler was receiving treatment and tests at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, where her condition was said to be stable, according to government sources

Initial investigations showed the girl’s parents, aged 28 and 36, were drug abusers and had been arrested in the past, according to one source.

It is understood that the unmarried couple, who lived in Wong Tai Sin, had recently separated and took turns to take care of the girl.

They were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment or neglect while in charge of a child, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail under the Offences Against the Person Ordinance.

According to police, the two suspects were being detained at Western Police Station and had not been charged.

The situation came to light after the girl was taken to Queen Mary Hospital for ear injuries in late December. She was admitted then discharged earlier this month.

Results of her urine test released on Thursday indicated there was suspected crystal meth in her body, according to the source.

Staff from the hospital and the Social Welfare Department then held a meeting to discuss the case and called in the parents on Thursday. Hospital staff then made a police report late Thursday night.

“Officers will talk to doctors to collect evidence and seek legal advice from the Department of Justice,” another police source said.

He said the Social Welfare Department might apply for a care and protection order in court to get custodial authority for the girl.

Investigators from Western police district were looking into the case.