Anti-triad operation nets more than 80 persons

Police have arrested more than 80 persons in various locations during an anti-triad operation which started yesterday (January 25).

After extensive investigations, officers of the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau and the Regional Crime Units of Kowloon West and New Territories North mounted a series of raids since the small hours yesterday on discos, nightclubs and game centres in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun for four intelligence-based operations, resulting in the arrest of 79 men and three women so far.

The operation was aimed at combating triad activities by means of curbing their source of income such as managing vice and gambling activities, engaging in drug-related activities, monopolising public light bus routes, etc.

In view of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the operation also targeted against the extortion of protection fees from shops and hawkers.

The 82 persons, aged between 14 and 59, were arrested for blackmail, criminal intimidation, criminal damage, drugs trafficking, possession of offensive weapons and serious triad-related offences. Police believed that most of the arrested persons have triad background, some of them were even office-bearers of the triad factions. All the arrested persons are being detained for enquiries.

During the operation, Police have seized 10 knives, more than 1,000 pieces of pirated discs, and a small amount of suspected drugs.

Police believed that the operation had successfully dealt a hard blow to the triad factions.

"However, we call on members of the public to be cautious against any persons who try to extort money by distributing pots of tangerine and spring scrolls, performing lion dance, etc and to report to Police if such activities are detected so that Police can take appropriate actions to bring the offenders to justice," a Police spokesman said.

"To combat triad-related crime and violent crime are among the Commissioner's Operational Targets in 2006. We hope that members of the public can support and tie in with Police's efforts in fighting against the crime so as to make Hong Kong continue to be a save city," he added.

Operation is still underway.


Add Police Report No. 4

Issued by PPRB

End/Thursday, January 26, 2006