HONG KONG, June 5 — A targeted operation by Hong Kong police shattered an alleged drug den in Yau Ma Tei yesterday, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of illegal narcotics valued at approximately HK$152,000 (about US$19,400).
Officers from the Yau Tsim Police District Special Duties Team executed a surprise raid at a unit on Shanghai Street around 1:30 p.m. following an intensive preliminary investigation. The operation, aimed at dismantling local clandestine drug distribution networks, quickly led to multiple arrests on various drug-related charges.
According to police statements released today, a 47-year-old local woman, believed to be the ringleader, was taken into custody. She faces serious charges including operating a drug den, trafficking in dangerous drugs, and failing to carry an identity document.
Inside the premises, authorities also apprehended 23 other individuals—19 local men and four local women—ranging in age from 24 to 78. They were arrested on suspicion of consuming or injecting dangerous drugs, highlighting the flat’s function as a potential hub for local drug users. All suspects are currently detained as the investigation continues.
During the search, police confiscated a significant cache of narcotics. The seized drugs included approximately 139 grams of suspected cocaine, 74 grams of suspected heroin, 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine (ice), and 509 tablets of suspected midazolam, commonly known as “blue spirits.” Additionally, a minimal amount of cash, roughly HK$200, was found at the scene.
The total street value of the confiscated substances underscores the scale of the illegal operation. The combined haul of high-purity substances suggests the unit was a critical point in the local supply chain, serving both drug users and potentially low-level dealers.
This operation is being followed up by the initial team, the Yau Tsim Police District Special Duties Team One, which is responsible for anti-vice and anti-drug enforcement efforts in the densely populated areas of Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui. The continuation of the investigation will focus on identifying the wider network supplying the drugs and determining how long the operation had been active in the residential area.
The frequent police crackdowns underscore the Hong Kong government’s ongoing zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking and misuse. Officials often encourage community members to report suspicious activities, particularly in high-density urban areas like Yau Ma Tei, where clandestine operations can easily blend into the fabric of the neighborhood. The successful dismantling of this drug den serves as a strong reminder of law enforcement’s persistent efforts to curb illicit drug activity near residences and businesses.
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