Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum Members Explore Shandong's Culture and Development in Educational Study Tour

Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum members visit Shandong Province

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province to learn more about the country's history and culture, as well as its modern development, through understanding Shandong's development and future plans.

In the morning, the study group visited the special patrol unit of the Jinan Public Security Bureau to learn about its counter-terrorism, anti-riot, and crime-fighting work. They then toured the Jinan Battle Memorial Hall to learn about the history of relevant battles, commemorate the martyrs and reflect on the hardships of the revolution, thereby strengthening their sense of national belonging. In the afternoon, the group visited a heavy-vehicle enterprise and a cloud-computing and bigdata service provider at the Jinan High-tech Zone, gaining insight into the country's latest developments in heavy and high-tech industries.

Mr Tang and the group arrived yesterday afternoon (July 19) and met with the Standing Committee Member of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the Shandong Provincial Committee, Mr Deng Yunfeng. Mr Tang thanked the provincial and municipal leaders for the importance they attached to the Leaders Forum, as well as their comprehensive support for the itinerary. The meticulous organisation of the visits and routes enabled participants to gain a deep understanding of Shandong's cultural and economic situation, and helped them appreciate the core objectives of national development.

During the next four days, the group will climb one of the five great mountains of China, Taishan Mountain; and visit the Temple of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, a World Heritage Site, to experience the deep-rooted Confucian culture. The study tour will then proceed to Qingdao to visit the People's Liberation Army Naval Museum, the automated terminal at Qingdao Port and more, to learn more about the country's developments and achievements in different areas.

Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong on July 22. The Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, will lead the study tour to continue the remaining itinerary on July 23 and 24.

The Security Bureau established the Leaders Forum in October 2022 to deepen participation in youth work. In the following year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Shenzhen University, and its students were invited to participate in the activities of the Leaders Forum. Later, the Leaders Forum expanded its network by including youth groups of public security forces of Macao, further promoting youth development and cultural exchanges among Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao.

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, yesterday (July 19) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to start a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (left) and youth members meeting with the Standing Committee Member of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the Shandong Provincial Committee, Mr Deng Yunfeng (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, yesterday (July 19) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to start a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (second right) and youth members meeting with the Standing Committee Member of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the Shandong Provincial Committee, Mr Deng Yunfeng (first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (centre) and the study group visiting a heavy-vehicle enterprise at the Jinan High-tech Zone. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (front row, right) and the study group visiting a heavy-vehicle enterprise at the Jinan High-tech Zone. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (front row, second right) and the study group touring the Jinan Battle Memorial Hall. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (front row, first left) and the study group touring the Jinan Battle Memorial Hall. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows members of the study group visiting the special patrol unit of the Jinan Public Security Bureau to learn about its counter-terrorism, anti-riot, and crime-fighting work. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 20) led more than 70 members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao, to continue with a six-day study tour to Shandong Province. Photo shows Mr Tang (front row, third left) and the study group visiting the special patrol unit of the Jinan Public Security Bureau to learn about its counter-terrorism, anti-riot, and crime-fighting work. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH conducts operation to crack down on illegal online sales of alternative smoking products

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (July 21) that it conducted an enforcement operation codenamed "Thunderstone" yesterday (July 20), to crack down on the illegal online sales of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was stopped for investigation and 800 suspected ASPs were seized.

Through routine online and offline inspections, TACO officers discovered illegal online sales of ASPs and conducted an operation yesterday. A 20-year-old man was stopped for investigation on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 800 suspected ASPs were seized. TACO is following up on the case and charges will be laid against the suspect when sufficient evidence is found.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years, or is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30,2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, also carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law. The public is also reminded that purchasing ASPs online may involve their importation and may constitute a breach of the law.

The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.

DH conducts operation to crack down on illegal online sales of alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases