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Police arrested over 1,000 people and seized dangerous drugs and illicit goods worth about $1.1 million during a tripartite anti-crime joint operation mounted by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police authorities between July 1 and July 31.
Acting Superintendent of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, Mr Ng Wai-hon, said at a press conference today (August 4) that the intelligence-led enforcement operation, codenamed "Thunderbolt 11", was aimed at curbing the illegal activities of triad societies and organised crime syndicates, neutralising cross-border crimes, and interdicting the criminals' source of income.
During the operation, police conducted searches on nearly 2,500 locations including discos, amusement game centres, massage establishments, night clubs and residential units. A total of 1,081 people were arrested for various offences, including triad-related offences, drug offences, managing vice establishments, breach of conditions of stay, illegal gambling, bookmaking, criminal damage, wounding and the possession and publishing of pornography.
The arrested persons included 567 men and 514 women. Among them, 347 were Mainlanders.
During the operation, police also seized about 19.5 kilograms of ketamine, about 234 grams of cocaine, 227 grams of heroin, 156 grams of ¡§Ice¡¨ and other drugs, worth about $3.54 million in total.
About 190,000 pornographic and pirated compact discs worth about $5.8 million were also seized.
In addition, the seizure also included $119 million worth of soccer and horseracing betting records plus some 100,000 rolls of contraband cigarettes and 12,000 litres of illegal fuel oils.
"The success of Thunderbolt 11 has shown the determination and capability of the police forces of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macao in combating crimes,¡¨ Mr Ng said.
"We will continue maintaining close co-operation with the Mainland and Macao Police Forces and adopting an intelligence-led approach to combat organized crime and triad activities, and interdict the sources of income of criminal gangs, so as to maintain Hong Kong as one of the safest and most stable societies." he said.
Police Report No. 8
Ends/Thursday, August 4, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:37
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