Hong Kong Police mounted a tripartite anti-crime joint operation, codenamed “THUNDERBOLT 2022” with Guangdong and Macao Police authorities since May 20 this year. As at June 17, Hong Kong Police arrested 1 837 persons and seized dangerous drugs and illicit goods worth over HK$100 million.

     The police authorities of Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao have spared no effort to combat triad activities and organised crimes, especially cross-boundary syndicates. The intelligence-led enforcement operation “THUNDERBOLT 2022” was aimed at curbing the illegal activities of triad societies and organised crime syndicates, neutralising cross-boundary crimes, and interdicting the criminals’ source of income.

     As at June 17, Hong Kong Police, together with other government departments including the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department, the Fire Services Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, conducted searches at 2 548 locations including bars, amusement game centres, cyber cafes, party rooms and residential units during the operation. A total of 1 837 persons were arrested for various offences, including triad-related offences and drug offences, wounding, criminal damage, blackmail, possession of offensive weapons, operating illegal gambling establishment and operating vice establishment. A total of 1 221 men and 616 women, aged between 11 and 90, were arrested. Among them, 73 were Mainlanders and 119 were non-ethnic Chinese. Hong Kong Police seized dangerous drugs and psychotropic drugs worth around $80 million, including cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and midazolam.

     Operation “THUNDERBOLT 2022” is still ongoing. Hong Kong Police encourage the public to actively provide intelligence regarding triad societies and organised crime syndicates, which will help the police to strengthen the effectiveness in combating their illegal activities.  Hong Kong Police will continue to maintain close liaison and exchange intelligence with the Mainland and Macao police authorities with a view to interdicting cross-boundary triad activities to uphold the public confidence in law and order.   

Ends/Friday, June 24, 2022
Issued at HKT 10:00

NNNN