Illegal firearms, ammunition cases in Hong Kong fall 65 per cent after imposition of national security law, customs says
- Customs’ annual review shows 13 fewer cases of illegal firearms, gun components and ammunition detected in 2021
- Cases involving strategic commodities also down 14 per cent last year; department attributes decline to its efforts in safeguarding national security
The number of cases involving illegal firearms and ammunition fell 65 per cent in 2021 from a year earlier after the national security law was imposed in Hong Kong, according to the Customs and Excise Department.
In an annual review, the department on Sunday said 13 fewer cases, or a decline of 65 per cent, of illegal firearms, component parts and ammunition were detected in 2021 after the law was imposed by Beijing in June 2020.
The legislation bans acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
The number of cases involving strategic commodities also decreased 14 per cent from 149 in 2020 to 128 in last year.
The department attributed the decline to its efforts in safeguarding national security.
“With record figures counted in major enforcement areas and the illegal inflow of firearms, ammunition and strategic commodities well intercepted, the review shows remarkable enforcement efficiency and practical efforts dedicated to the safeguarding of national security,” it said.