Hong Kong police arrest 2, including teenager, on drug trafficking charges; condemn recruitment of youngsters as ‘despicable’
Hong Kong police have arrested two people, including a 15-year-old teenager, on drug trafficking charges, while condemning the recruiting of underaged mules as a “despicable act”.
Police said on Saturday that an operation conducted over Thursday and Friday led to the seizure of 39kg (86lbs) of ketamine, with an estimated street value of HK$18 million (US$2.3 million).
“We believe this is a drug trafficking syndicate with triad connections,” said Senior Inspector Lam Chung-nga of the force’s organised crime and triad bureau. “They have been transporting drugs by placing them among other goods, and mailing them from overseas to Hong Kong.
“They also use residential properties as drug storage and distribution centres.”
The force said they first raided a flat in To Kwa Wan on February 29, where about 250 grams of the drug was found on a 15-year-old male.
They then raided two other properties in To Kwa Wan and Sheung Shui, where another 3kg of ketamine was seized.
A second person, a 27-year-old man, was subsequently arrested.
Lam said the flats were believed to be “controlled by the triad syndicate”, and that the investigation showed there were potentially more packages containing drugs that had yet to enter the market.
The following day, with the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, police managed to seize seven packages mailed from overseas containing about 36kg of ketamine.
Young people lured with Europe travel perks, cash to smuggle drugs to Hong Kong
Young people lured with Europe travel perks, cash to smuggle drugs to Hong Kong
“We believe that the operation has successfully intercepted the flow of drugs into the local market and disrupted the triad’s source of income,” Lam said.
More arrests might be made, she added.
Meanwhile, the two arrested were charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs, and would appear at the Kowloon City Court on Monday morning.
Police would continue to take proactive actions against triads and drug trafficking based on intelligence, Lam said.
“We have noticed that criminals are using underage individuals to engage in drug trafficking, which is a despicable act,” she said.
Tricked into trafficking? Hong Kong drug mules face uphill fight to prove innocence
Tricked into trafficking? Hong Kong drug mules face uphill fight to prove innocence
“We condemn such behaviour, and we urge young people to be cautious and avoid falling into these quick money schemes.”
Lam warned drug trafficking was a serious offence that could lead to “a lifetime of consequences”, including a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine.
People found to be involved with using minors in such crimes could face “enhanced penalties”, she added.
Lam also urged parents and teachers to pay attention to any unusual sources of income their children might have.
“If there are suspicions, early intervention and guidance should be provided.”
