Hong Kong police arrest more than 4,300, seize HK$768 million of illicit drugs, proceeds
- Officers raid 2,300 locations in two-month operation with Macau and Guangdong counterparts to combat triads and crime syndicates
Hong Kong police arrested more than 4,300 people and confiscated HK$768 million (US$98.5 million) worth of illegal drugs and suspected criminal proceeds during a two-month joint operation with Macau and Guangdong counterparts to combat triads and organised crime syndicates.
The force said on Friday the operation involved raids on about 2,300 premises, including gambling dens, vice establishments and unlicensed pubs, between June 22 and August 15.
“Throughout the operation, officers seized a significant quantity of illegal substances such as gambling paraphernalia and weapons, along with suspected proceeds of crime valued at HK$38 million and illicit drugs estimated to be worth HK$730 million,” police said.
The drugs seized included cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, crystal meth and heroin.
The annual crackdown is usually launched ahead of the July 1 handover anniversary.
During the operation, officers from the narcotics bureau made the largest cocaine seizure so far this year, confiscating HK$300 million worth of the drug in a residential flat in Yuen Long last month and arresting a 22-year-old man.