Sha Tin drug bust nets HK$12 million ketamine haul
HK01 · 5 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
Police said an anti-drug operation in a public housing estate in Sha Tin uncovered about 32 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of more than HK$12 million. The three suspects arrested were two 15-year-old girls, both Secondary Four students, and a 28-year-old unemployed man. Investigators believe the drugs had been shipped to Hong Kong from overseas and concealed inside cargo packed with large amounts of old clothing. Officers said the trafficking group had lured the teenagers with payments of tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars to handle frontline tasks such as receiving, unpacking and moving the goods.
Key Points
- The operation took place on 16 October in a Sha Tin public housing estate, where officers saw a man and a girl unpacking suspicious cartons outside a flat.
- Police said the pair removed items from the boxes, placed them into nylon bags and tried to move them into a unit before officers intervened.
- A search of the scene and the related flat led to the discovery of a second 15-year-old girl and 16 packets of suspected ketamine, each weighing about two kilograms.
- The two girls were reported to be classmates and friends, while the 28-year-old man was described as a friend who was allegedly present to direct the operation.
- Inspector Ng Ka-wai (吳嘉煒) of the Narcotics Bureau said police may seek enhanced sentencing under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance when minors are used in trafficking.
Why It Matters
The case points to the risk of drug syndicates targeting school-age teenagers with promises of quick cash, especially ahead of Halloween and long holidays when police say young people may be more vulnerable to recruitment. It also underlines how public housing units can be drawn into trafficking operations, exposing tenants to possible action under the Housing Ordinance in addition to criminal prosecution.