Suspected Hong Kong drug smuggler dies after fight with police in wake of raid linked to alleged HK$100 million cocaine-trafficking ring
- Man, 57, with history of heart disease lost consciousness after struggle with officers; he was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead a day later
- Investigation into incident launched by New Territories North regional crime unit with report to be submitted to the Coroner’s Court
A Hong Kong drugs suspect has died in hospital a day after he resisted arrest outside his office as police cracked down on an alleged HK$100 million (US$12.8 million) cocaine-smuggling ring.
The 57-year-old – who had a history of heart trouble – was subdued by police, but later passed out and was rushed to hospital, a senior officer said on Thursday.
Acting chief superintendent Chan Kong-ming of the force’s narcotics bureau added that the man at first cooperated with officers when they raided his office in Ko Po Village, Yuen Long, on Wednesday, but became violent and attempted to flee in his car.
Chan added the man was subdued and then handcuffed in his vehicle.
“After we brought him under control, he was sitting in the car seat and nothing abnormal was seen,” Chan said. “But we found him unconscious about 20 minutes later.”
He added there was no information to suggest the man had any injuries before he put up a fight.