Police arrested 553 people in anti-crime operation

Police have mounted a large-scale anti-crime operation codenamed "Windpipe" in Kowloon West Region from March 14.

The operation is aimed at curbing triad revenue generating activities including those related to vice, illegal gambling, dangerous drugs, pornographic and pirated optical discs, and contraband goods.

The operation was mounted by officers from Kowloon West Crime Headquarters and four districts in the region including Mong Kok, Yau Tsim, Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City. In addition, officers from other Government departments including the Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, and Office of Telecommunication Authority, has also rendered their support in the operation.

The operation concluded at 1 am this morning (March 17). During the operation, Police have raided over 158 premises and arrested a total of 553 persons, including 186 men and 367 women. Aged between 14 and 75, the persons were arrested for various offences involving contraband cigarettes or goods, illegal gambling, managing vice establishments, possession of dangerous drugs, pornographic articles, and breach of conditions of stay.

Police also seized 92,840 pieces of pornographic and pirated discs, $63,980 worth of suspected dangerous drugs, 3,650 items of copyright infringing goods, and 421,120 dutiable cigarettes.

The total value of the seizures is estimated at about $4 million.

A Police spokesman reiterated that Police would continue to tackle triad activities by curbing their income generating sources.


Police Report No. 7

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Friday, March 17, 2006