***********************************************************

A total of 64 women were arrested in an anti-vice operation jointly mounted by the Police and the Immigration Department in Tsuen Wan today (July 17).

Police officers attached to Special Duty Squad and District Crime Squad of Tsuen Wan District, together with officers of the Immigration Department started the eight-hour joint operation at about 8 am.

The officers raided various locations on Yi Pei Square, Sam Pei Square, Tak Wah Street, Chuen Lung Street, Ho Pui Street and Chung On Street in Tsuen Wan, resulting in the arrest of 62 Mainland two-way-permit holders and two Chinese passport holders.

Of them, three two-way-permit holders aged between 27 and 34 were arrested for soliciting for an immoral purpose. They were charged and will appear in Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 18).

The remaining women, aged between 22 and 46, were arrested for breach of conditions of stay. They will be handed over to the Immigration Department for follow-up action.

A Police spokesman reiterated that similar operations would be conducted on a regular basis to eradicate any illegal vice-related activities.

Police Report No. 2

Issued by PPRB

End/1730 hours, Thursday, July 17, 2003 (CS/CA)

NNNN