Exclusive | ‘Black Panthers’ get weapons upgrade, as Hong Kong prison chief guards against threat of more radicals among inmates
- Elite unit goes hi-tech with rapid-fire riot gun and expanding shields now among arsenal
- Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming preparing for ‘the worst riots possible’
Hong Kong’s elite “Black Panther” prison unit has armed itself with some of the newest riot weapons on the market to guard against a possible threat posed by radicals swelling the ranks of the city’s inmates.
In an exclusive interview with the Post, the Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming unveiled the latest tactical gear and said he was preparing for “the worst possible riots”.
Among the weapons now at the unit’s disposal is a rapid-fire riot gun that allows officers to shoot six sponge-tipped rounds containing pepper powder that burst on impact. The combination increases the effectiveness of the weapon in disabling a target and saves time on reloading.
“The gear is more advanced, effective and powerful, but less lethal,” Woo said.
