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Three men, aged 18 to 21, were jailed by a Tsuen Wan magistrate today (January 21) for obstructing public officers in performing their duties during a hawker raid operation.

The court was told that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department officers took enforcement action against illegal hawking at the bus terminal in Cheung Fat Estate, Tsing Yi, on October 13 last year.

"During the operation, our officers arrested two illegal cooked-food hawkers at the scene. When they were collecting the cooking paraphernalia, a group of men tried to obstruct them. An officer was attacked in the row," said a department spokesman.

The three were sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment and fined $1,000 each for obstructing public officers in performing their duties, assaulting public officers and criminal intimidation.

"Use of force against public officers is not only wrong, but also carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman warned.

"Members of the public should co-operate with law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties."

Ends/Friday, January 21, 2005

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