Hong Kong teen with alleged triad links arrested for possession of $3.6 million worth of cocaine

A Hong Kong teenager who police suspect to have links with triad groups was recently arrested with 23 kilograms (50 pounds) of cocaine reportedly worth around 27 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $3.6 million).

What happened: The 14-year-old boy was arrested in Tsing Yi car park after he stepped into an abandoned car used by criminals to store drugs, officers said, adding that the vehicle was already under surveillance before the incident, according to South China Morning Post.

Authorities found slabs of what is believed to be cocaine inside the abandoned car during the arrest. The boy, whose name has not been disclosed, had cash, the car’s key and a cellphone with him at the time. He is set to appear in court next week Monday.
“Police have noticed that some criminals use remote car parks or abandoned or disabled vehicles as temporary storage warehouses,” Wong Siu-cheung, an officer from the Kowloon City police, told South China Morning Post. “It is convenient for them to cover up drug trafficking activities.”
He also mentioned that Hong Kong gangs often use teenagers during drug-related operations since they can easily be manipulated with money. Authorities said the number of young people aged between 10 and 20 who have participated in drug trafficking has gone up from 135 cases last year to 224 in the first half of 2021.

The punishment: A person caught and charged for drug trafficking could face a maximum jail sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to 5 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $641,000).

“When a person (other than a minor) is found to have exploited a minor for procuring, supplying or trafficking a dangerous drug, the police will appeal to the courts for enhanced sentencing by invoking Section 56A of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance,” the Hong Kong Police Force said in its website.

Featured Image via Tksteven

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