*****************************************
A series of operations carried out by Hong Kong Police between November 1 and 12 to combat organised crime were in support of a special operation codenamed ¡§Wintry Sun¡¨jointly conducted by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police authorities.
The Chief Superintendent of Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, Mr Choy Kin-cheung, said at a press conference today (November 17) that the operation was aimed at combatting organised crime including triad and vice activities, illegal gambling and bookmaking, contraband cigarettes, pornographic and pirated optical discs, counterfeit goods, unmarked oil and dangerous drugs as a means to deal a severe blow to their financial resources.
¡§With the close co-operation and effective exchange of intelligence among the Hong Kong Police and their counterparts, the operation was completed successfully,¡¨ Mr Choy said.
The officers raided more than 2,000 locations including discos, games centres, massage establishments and residential units, resulting in the smashing of 17 vice establishments, 13 gambling dens and one smoking divan while 899 men and 938 women were arrested.
During the operation, the officers seized about 290 grams of heroin, 1,077 Ecstasy tablets, 56.5 grams of ¡§Ice¡¨, 594 pieces of Triazolam, 68 grams of Ketamine, 211 kilograms of cannabis and 30.6 grams of cocaine, as well as 36 offensive weapons.
About $ 103,000 worth of betting slips suspected of being connected with illegal gambling was also seized. More than 130,202 obscene or pirated optical discs,
30,305 litres of illicit oil, 1,324,828 sticks of dutiable cigarettes and 4,629 fake goods were found by officers.
"Under the effective mechanism of exchange of intelligence, the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police have curbed many serious crimes involving triads,¡¨ Mr Choy said.
¡§The co-operation in the past showed that joint operations were the most effective way to tackle crimes committed by triad members,¡¨ he said, adding that police of the three places were determined and had the ability to jointly combat triad activities.
Police Report No. 8
Ends/Thursday, November 17, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:11
NNNN
