Speech by SCST at World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony today (March 4):
Mr Ferguson (Chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Mr Jason Ferguson), Mr Mok (Director of F-Sports Promotion Limited, Mr Tony Mok), Mr Law (Chairman of Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, Mr Vincent Law), esteemed guests, fellow players, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, what an exciting day it is as we gather here for the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 at the stunning Kai Tak Arena. Today marks a historic moment for Hong Kong, as we welcome this prestigious snooker tournament to our vibrant city.
This event is not just a competition; it is a celebration of excellence in sports. As a recognised "M" Mark event, the Grand Prix guarantees an exceptional standard of play. We are thrilled to witness the world's best snooker players showcasing their extraordinary talent and creating unforgettable memories right here at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park.
I want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the organisers, F-Sports Promotion Limited, the World Snooker Tour, and the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited. Your hard work and dedication have brought this significant event to life, enhancing Hong Kong's position as a prime destination for international sports events.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporting units. Your vital support is instrumental in making this event a spectacular success.
As we kick off this remarkable journey, I wish the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 tremendous success. May all players and visitors have an unforgettable experience here in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million
Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport respectively yesterday (May 21) and today (May 22), and seized a total of about 21.8 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of about $7.95 million. Two men and one woman, aged between 38 and 49, were arrested.
In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman in Tseung Kwan O during an anti-narcotics operation yesterday afternoon. About 3.8kg of suspected drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate capsules, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were found in their residence in the same district. They were then arrested.
In the second case, a 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase and 33 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man and woman in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 23), while an investigation is ongoing for the second case.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
