Hongkong Post to Release Old Master Q II Special Stamps on April 2

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps

Hongkong Post announced today (March 18) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Old Master Q II" will be released for sale on April 2 (Thursday).

Old Master Q comics have entertained generations in Hong Kong. Mr Alfonso Wong Chak (1925–2017), creator of the first edition of the Old Master Q comics, started publishing his works in local newspaper columns in 1962 under the pen name Wong Chak, the name of his eldest son. Seeing his father getting on in years, Mr Joseph Wong Chak resolutely took up the baton of the Old Master Q comics in 1995 to carry forward the spirit of Old Master Q. He continues to produce the comics to this day. Simple and easy to understand, Old Master Q comics often feature humorous plot lines that bring knowing smiles to readers. The comic characters, such as Old Master Q, Big Potato, Mr Chin and Miss Chen, have all taken root in people's hearts.

Following the release of the "Old Master Q" special stamps in 2019, Hongkong Post will issue a new set of special stamps themed "Old Master Q II" featuring various festive celebrations, including the Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Easter, the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Christmas. Characters from the Old Master Q comics are depicted immersed in a rich festive atmosphere, showcasing Hong Kong's unique charm and vibrancy. In addition, Hongkong Post will specifically launch a souvenir pack printed in invisible ink. It includes a souvenir sheet, a $10 stamp sheetlet, a $20 stamp sheetlet and a UV light torch. Under the UV light torch, hidden graphics on the souvenir pack will be revealed - a must-have for Old Master Q fans.

Official first day covers for "Old Master Q II" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (March 19). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from April 2, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps, postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) and souvenir packs will be available at philatelic offices only.

A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on April 2 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post to issue "Old Master Q II" special stamps Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $36.5 million

Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drug cases on March 10 and seized a total of about 106 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and about 36kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $36.5 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, Customs on March 10 inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying household goods and arriving in Hong Kong from Canada, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $22 million, concealed in the compartment of a pool table. After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on the same day arrested a 55-year-old local man suspected to be connected with the case in Kwai Chung.

In the second case, Hong Kong Customs and anti-smuggling departments of the Mainland Customs conducted a joint operation. Through intelligence analysis, Customs on the same day intercepted a parcel from France, declared as aquarium substrates and sent to Hong Kong via the Chinese Mainland, and discovered the batch of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $14.5 million, in 24 bags of volcano minerals.

Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation on March 16 and arrested two local men, aged 58 and 44, in Lau Fau Shan and Yuen Long respectively.

The three arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation. An investigation is ongoing.

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 detects two dangerous drug cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $36.5 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $36.5 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases