Hong Kong Customs' "Flame Mesh" operation combats transnational drug trafficking and seizes drugs worth over $50 million
Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation codenamed "Flame Mesh" from July 13 to yesterday (August 17) to combat drug syndicates exploiting transit air passengers for transnational drug trafficking activities. During the operation, Customs seized a total of about 240 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $56 million, and arrested 10 persons suspected to be connected with the cases.
Customs has been monitoring the latest drug trafficking trends involving transit air passengers based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis. In view of the significant surge in the number of travellers during the summer vacation, Customs has stepped up enforcement against transit air passengers travelling from Southeast Asia to Europe and Africa via Hong Kong. During the operation, Customs officers arrested 10 transit air passengers, aged between 18 and 57, at Hong Kong International Airport. A total of about 240kg of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about $56 million, were seized inside their baggage.
Customs will continue to monitor the latest drug trafficking trends and identify suspicious passengers based on risk assessment. Hong Kong Customs will also work closely with other customs organisations to trace the sources of drugs and combat transnational drug trafficking through intelligence exchanges and joint operations.
Customs reminds members of the public not to participate in 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, via its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation codenamed "Flame Mesh" from July 13 to yesterday (August 17) to combat transnational drug trafficking activities exploiting transit air passengers by drug syndicates. During the operation, Customs seized a total of about 240 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $56 million, and arrested 10 persons suspected to be connected with the cases. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the operation. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Child previously reported as severe case of paediatric influenza infection passes away
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that a 14-month-old girl infected with influenza A passed away earlier today (November 13). The CHP announced the case as a severe case of influenza A infection on October 29.
This is the third fatal case of paediatric influenza infection in Hong Kong this year. Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year, and the influenza season has lasted for more than four months by now. The latest surveillance data showed that the overall influenza activity has declined but remains above baseline levels. A cumulative total of 29 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season. Among these cases, 22 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two are in stable condition, two are in critical condition, and three have passed away. The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, reminded members of the public that Hong Kong is still in the midst of the influenza season. Although overall influenza activity has shown a downward trend over the past few weeks, it remains above baseline levels. Data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. The CHP urged all individuals aged six months or older, except those with known contraindications, to promptly receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) if they have not yet done so.
This year's SIV Programmes have been underway for about two months. Currently, there is an adequate supply of vaccines in both the public and private healthcare sectors, providing free or subsidised SIV to eligible individuals. To facilitate members of the public in receiving SIV, eligible persons may receive SIV at about 270 public service points, including around 110 designated clinics under the DH located in various districts across the territory (including all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) for all children aged 6 months to under 2 years); 76 Family Medicine Clinics and 38 public hospitals under the Hospital Authority; and 45 District Health Centres, District Health Centre Expresses and their service points under the Primary Healthcare Commission. For the list of vaccination venues, please refer to the CHP's SIV Programmes webpage. Parents/guardians of eligible children may also book a vaccination appointment for their children at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.
Furthermore, over 1 900 private doctors currently participate in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), providing services at over 3 200 service points across all districts in Hong Kong. For the list of VSS doctors, please visit apps.hcv.gov.hk/public/en/SPS/Search.
Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. High-risk individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying illnesses or persons who are immunocompromised, should wear a surgical mask when using public transport or staying in crowded places. The health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Source: AI-found images
