Hong Kong police arrest 13 in drink and drug driving crackdown during World Cup
Operation ‘Quickchaser’ nets 13 suspects aged 17 to 62 for drug-related offences across major Kowloon East roads
Hong Kong police have arrested 13 people in a three-day operation targeting drink- and drug-driving during the World Cup.
The force said on Monday that its Traffic Kowloon East enforcement and control division conducted the operation, code-named “Quickchaser”, from July 3 to 5 on major thoroughfares in the area, netting 10 men, a 17-year-old boy and two women.
The suspects, aged 17 to 62, were arrested on suspicion of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while disqualified or without third-party insurance.
Preliminary investigations in one case showed a 51-year-old taxi driver allegedly teamed up with a 17-year-old passenger to transport suspected drugs by cab in an attempt to evade detection.
Officers also seized suspected cocaine, etomidate and ketamine with an estimated street value of HK$40,000 (US$5,100) in three drug-related cases.
All suspects have been released on bail and are due to report to police next month, except for three people arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.