Hong Kong – In a significant move to curb illegal activities and maintain public safety, the police launched a major operation in Hong Kong. Their focus was on industrial buildings located in the Tuen Mun district, where they raided a total of 10 illegal premises. These operations were targeted at unearthing illicit businesses, including 9 unlicensed bars and a casino suspected of supplying marijuana hookah. The operation resulted in the arrest of 137 individuals on charges ranging from drug trafficking to operating unlicensed bars and casinos.
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Unveiling the Operation: A Recap
- The Initial Sweep: The operation, codenamed “Strong,” was initiated in response to a surge in illegal activities during the pandemic. With licensed entertainment venues temporarily closed, criminal elements turned to industrial buildings to carry out their operations.
- Triad Elements’ Strategy: Triad elements sought to exploit the situation by luring young individuals into their activities. They established unauthorized entertainment spots and even facilitated drug consumption to attract potential recruits.
- The Cracking Down Begins: The Tuen Mun Police District launched a targeted effort to crack down on these illegal activities, protecting the youth from getting entangled in criminal networks.
The police pointed out that the big room cost $HKD100,000 a night, and the whiskey cost $HKD30,000.
- Diverse Range of Offenses: During the “Strong” operation, the police uncovered a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, possession of drugs, operating illegal casinos, and unlicensed bars.
- Demographics of Arrests: Among the 137 individuals arrested, the age spectrum was broad, ranging from 15 to 73 years old. Surprisingly, 19 of them were minors, with the youngest being a 15-year-old girl.
- The Nightclub Revelation: A notable discovery was an 8,000-square-foot nightclub tucked away in a factory building in the Tuen Mun District. This hidden establishment aimed to attract affluent clientele with high-end offerings.
Ingenious Disguises and Evasive Tactics
- Facades of Deception: Criminals went to great lengths to conceal their activities. Many of these illegal operations masqueraded as legitimate businesses during the day, adopting cover stories such as fashion stores or spiritual healing centers.
- Appointment-Only Access: Guests were strictly vetted and introduced by regular customers, revealing a well-organized scheme to avoid unwanted attention.
- Elusive Lock Mechanisms: Criminals used deceptive tactics to confuse law enforcement, including installing special locks on outer gates to create the illusion of being locked from the outside.
- Sophisticated Surveillance: Wireless CCTV cameras were strategically placed to monitor the surroundings, allowing criminals to stay one step ahead of the police.