Hong Kong Customs shuts down suspected drug manufacturing centre and seizes suspected drug worth about $2.1 million
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 3) shut down a suspected drug manufacturing centre in Kwai Chung and seized about 2.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 293 grams of suspected crack cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $2.1 million. Two men, aged 55 and 23, were arrested.
During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Kwai Chung yesterday, Customs officers intercepted the two men with suspicious actions and seized about 70g and 3g of suspected crack cocaine from them respectively. The two men were subsequently arrested. Customs officers later escorted them to a residential premises nearby for a search and further seized about 2.5kg of suspected cocaine, 220g of suspected crack cocaine and a batch of suspected drug manufacturing paraphernalia.
The two arrested men, both claimed to be unemployed, have each been charged with one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs and one count of possession of dangerous drugs, and jointly charged with one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on October 6.
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.
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 shuts down suspected drug manufacturing centre and seizes suspected drug worth about $2.1 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms
With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, the Hong Kong film festival returned to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the fifth edition from November 8 to 12 (Dubai time), bringing a curated selection of Hong Kong cinema to the Middle East community.
Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation - Dubai screened seven Hong Kong movies in a variety of genres, such as action, drama and documentary, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Hong Kong cinema.
A number of Hong Kong movie talents travelled to Dubai to attend the gala, including actor ANSONBEAN from the opening film "Good Game", director Chan Tai-lee from "Fight for Tomorrow" and director Chou Man-yu from "Behind the Shadows". They attended the opening night reception organised by Dubai ETO to meet the audience, and participated in post-screening sharing sessions to exchange views with film enthusiasts.
The opening night took place at the unique setting of the semi-outdoor Cinema Akil in 25hours. Apart from the newly release "Good Game", the 90s classic "Once a Thief" directed by John Woo was also screened, as the audience showed great enthusiasm about the captivating action scenes and thrilling plot of both movies.
Other Hong Kong films screened at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai's leading creative district included "Four Trails", "My First of May", and "Reborn".
Speaking at the opening reception, the Acting Director-General of Dubai ETO, Mr Leo Poon, said that the successful hosting of the fifth edition of Hong Kong film festival in Dubai reflects the continuous creativity of Hong Kong cinema and the sustained support from local audiences. He also emphasised the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's staunch support for Hong Kong's cultural, creative and film industries, including efforts in recent years to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, strengthen overseas ties and pave the way for future collaborations.
"The Government is committed to promoting the development of the film industry. Over the past three years, films funded by the CCIDA through the Film Development Fund have accounted for nearly 30per cent of Hong Kong's total box office receipts. The Chief Executive also announced in his 2025 Policy Address that the CCIDA will enhance publicity, exchanges, and business matching overseas. We are eager to bring more outstanding Hong Kong film productions to the Middle East, with a view to further promoting Hong Kong films to the local film industry and community."
Dubai ETO will continue to support Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries in fostering exchanges and exploring business opportunities through collaboration with various partners.
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film festival returns for fifth edition in Dubai showcasing Middle East audiences Hong Kong film charms Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases