Three teenage boys arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking in Hong Kong
During the summer break, young people were persuaded to take part in drug-related activities to make money
Police believe the raid has helped to disrupt the activities of an active youth drug-trafficking syndicate in East Kowloon. Three boys, aged 16 to 17, were arrested for drug trafficking last Thursday. Police put out a warning after the arrests, saying that young people have been lured with money to take part in drug-related activities during the summer holidays.
The teenagers were arrested around 8pm at Lei Sang House, in Lei Yue Mun Estate, a public housing complex in Yau Tong.
During the operation, police officers seized about 120 grams of what is believed to be ketamine. Police estimated the drugs to be worth around HK$52,000. Police also found an electronic scale and a resealable plastic bag. The drugs and other items were found on one of the boys, and inside one of the flats in the estate.
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All three boys were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, and were detained for further questioning by the police. The arrests were made as part of a police operation to fight drug-related crimes among young people in Hong Kong.
The operation, which was code-named “Ironsteel”, follows in-depth investigation and analysis conducted by the Kowloon East Special Duties Squad.
The investigations seem to indicate that, during the summer holidays, young people had been convinced to take part in drug-trafficking activities to make money.
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Police also believe that the latest operation has helped to disrupt the activities of an active youth drug-trafficking syndicate in East Kowloon.
Although the boys are under the age of 18, under Hong Kong law, anyone aged 16 or above is not thought to be a juvenile offender, and are treated the same way and tried in court as an adult.
Police also took the chance to say that drug smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, offenders could be fined up to HK$5 million, and sentenced to life imprisonment.