As a major transit hub, the city must remain vigilant and keep working with other jurisdictions to combat the trafficking of narcotics
Credit goes not just to the two forces, but also to the authorities on the mainland and overseas jurisdictions that shared intelligence for the operation conducted between June and August. Local officers uncovered 74 narcotic-related cases and seized 1,219kg (2,687lbs) of drugs, including 622kg of cannabis, 280kg of ketamine, 200kg of cocaine, 85kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of Ecstasy pills. Ninety-six people, aged 16 to 69, were arrested. Among the 74 cases, 65 involved 79 air passengers intercepted at Hong Kong International Airport. Meanwhile, local law enforcement bodies also contributed to nine cases handled by their counterparts in Shenzhen, Germany, Canada and Singapore.
Authorities said drug syndicates had resorted to different tactics, such as the recruitment of non-local air travellers to confuse investigators, along with other arrangements such as convoluted flight routes and drug couriers picking up luggage checked in under another accomplice’s name. Thankfully, early exchanges with other jurisdictions paid off and law enforcers were able to receive intelligence on suspicious targets before they arrived.
