2005-11-17 17:10 In support of a special operation codenamed "Wintry Sun" jointly conducted by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police authorities, the Hong Kong Police mounted a series of operations to combat organised crime between November 1 and 12. The Chief Superintendent of Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, Mr Choy Kin-cheung, said at a press conference today (November 17) that the operation was aimed to combat organised crimes including triad and vice activities, illegal gambling and bookmaking, contraband cigarettes, pornographic and pirated optical discs, counterfeit goods, unmarked oil and dangerous drugs as a means to give a severe blow to their financial resources. "With the close co-operation and effective exchange of intelligence among the Hong Kong Police and their counterparts, the operation was completed successfully," Mr Choy noted. The officers raided more than 2, 000 locations including discos, games centres, massage establishments and residential units, resulting in the smashing of 17 vice establishments, 13 gambling dens and one smoking divan while 899 men and 938 women were arrested. During the operation, the officers seized about 290 grams of heroin, 1, 077 tablets of Ecstasy, 56.5 grams of "ICE", 594 pieces of Triazolam, 68 grams of Ketamine, 211 kilograms of cannabis and 30.6 grams of cocaine, as well as 36 offensive weapons. About $ 103, 000 worth of betting slips suspected to be connected with illegal gambling was also seized. More than 130, 202 obscene or pirated optical discs, 30, 305 litres of illicit oil, 1, 324, 828 sticks of dutiable cigarettes and 4, 629 faked goods were found by the officers. Under the effective mechanism of exchange of intelligence, the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police have curbed many serious crimes involving triads," Mr Choy said. "The co-operations in the past showed that joint operations were the most effective way to tackle crimes committed by triad members," he said, adding that Police of the three places are determined and have the ability to jointly combat triad activities. |