Hong Kong police arrest 2, including teenager, on drug trafficking charges; condemns recruiting underaged drug mules as ‘despicable’
“They also use residential properties as drug storage and distribution centres.”
The force said they first raided a flat in To Kwa Wan on February 29, where about 250 grams of the drug was found on a 15-year-old male.
They then raided two other properties in To Kwa Wan and Sheung Shui, where another 3kg of ketamine was seized.
A second person, a 27-year-old man, was subsequently arrested.
Lam said the flats were believed to be “controlled by the triad syndicate”, and that the investigation showed there were potentially more packages containing drugs that had yet to enter the market.
The following day, with the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, police managed to seize seven packages mailed from overseas containing about 36kg of ketamine.
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“We believe that the operation has successfully intercepted the flow of drugs into the local market and disrupted the triad’s source of income,” Lam said.
More arrests might be made, she added.
Meanwhile, the two arrested were charged with trafficking dangerous drugs, and would appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
The police would continue to take proactive actions against triads and drug trafficking based on intelligence, Lam said.
“We have noticed that criminals are using underage individuals to engage in drug trafficking, which is a despicable act,” she said.
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“We condemn such behaviour, and we urge young people to be cautious and avoid falling into these quick money schemes.”
Lam warned drug trafficking was a serious offence that could lead to “a lifetime of consequences”, including a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment.
People found to be involved with using minors in such crimes could face “enhanced penalties”, she added.
Lam also urged parents and teachers to pay attention to any unusual sources of income their children might have.
“If there are suspicions, early intervention and guidance should be provided.”