Hong Kong summer drug sweep arrests 321, youngest 13
HK01 · 6 SOURCES31 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police said a territory-wide summer anti-drug operation code-named Defender ran from July 12 to August 29 and resulted in 321 arrests, with the youngest suspect aged 13. Officers said they detected 234 drug cases and seized about 231 kilograms of suspected drugs worth around HK$130 million, including a sharp year-on-year increase in suspected etomidate-related products.
Key Points
- The Narcotics Bureau and officers from regional commands carried out the Defender operation across Hong Kong during the summer holiday between July 12 and August 29.
- Police arrested 247 men and 74 women aged 13 to 72, including 19 boys and 9 girls, over offences including trafficking, possession and operating drug dens.
- Officers said 234 drug cases were detected and about 231 kilograms of suspected drugs were seized, with an estimated street value of about HK$130 million.
- The haul included about 76 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 65 kilograms of suspected ketamine, heroin, cannabis, methamphetamine, 3.7 litres of suspected liquid etomidate and about 6,400 suspected etomidate vape cartridges.
- Police said traffickers used small payments to lure young people into delivery and sales work, citing a 14-year-old girl allegedly induced to traffic 17 suspected etomidate cartridges.
Why It Matters
Police said suspected etomidate products seized in the operation rose markedly from the same period last year, adding to concern about the drug’s spread among young people. The force said it would keep combining intelligence-led enforcement with anti-drug education, and would seek heavier penalties against those who exploit minors in drug crimes under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.