This Aug 21, 2019 photo shows the headquarters of the Hong Kong Police Force in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (MAO SIQIAN / XINHUA)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong police said Monday they arrested 2,320 people and seized cash and illegal drugs worth about HK$390 million (US$50.2 million) during a joint operation carried out with Guangdong and Macao police.
Hong Kong police said 1,616 men and 704 women, aged between 11 and 84, were arrested during the operation codenamed “THUNDERBOLT 2021”, which was carried out with Guangdong and Macao police
In a statement, police said 1,616 men and 704 women, aged between 11 and 84, were arrested for various offences, including triad-related and drug-related offences, robbery, illegal immigration, illegal gambling, bookmaking, criminal damage, blackmail, wounding and possession of offensive weapons.
The cross-border operation, codenamed “THUNDERBOLT 2021”, was carried in two phases between June 6 to July 11, and Aug 16 to 30.
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Police raided about 2,000 locations and cracked down on illegal gambling dens, prostitution premises and drug distribution centers.
Police also seized drugs, including cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and midazolam, worth HK$370 million, as well as bookmaking records worth about HK$3.6 billion.
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The joint operation was aimed at curbing illegal activities of triad societies and organized crime syndicates, neutralizing cross-boundary crimes, and interdicting the criminals’ source of income, according to police.