Hong Kong Police Conduct Inter-Departmental Exercise to Prepare for 94th INTERPOL General Assembly

Police conduct inter-departmental exercise to prepare for 94th INTERPOL General Assembly

To ensure the smooth conduct of the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly scheduled to be held in Hong Kong in late November this year, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area.

The exercise covered a wide range of measures and arrangements, including simulating crowd flow management for approximately 1 000 delegates within the venue and their movement between the main and side event venues, command and coordination of sea and land transport, wireless network stress test, and contingency deployment plans for unexpected situations. These efforts aimed to ensure that every segment of the General Assembly would proceed efficiently and smoothly, while showcasing Hong Kong's capability and determination in hosting major international events.

The exercise also simulated a scenario in which terrorists rammed a vehicle into the venue and opened fire during the General Assembly, resulting in mass casualties. Concurrently, an evacuation was carried out at a neighbouring educational institution due to a separate incident. Various departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms. The exercise comprehensively tested the coordination capabilities of relevant stakeholders across various key operational areas, including immediate tactical intervention, emergency response, triage and emergency medical treatment of casualties, handling of suspicious objects, and management of affected persons. By refining contingency protocols, the exercise further strengthened inter-departmental counter-terrorism readiness and incident response capabilities.

The exercise mobilised over 2 600 personnel from various government departments and relevant organisations, including the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. The Commissioner of Police,Mr Chow Yat-ming, observed the exercise on site, and commended the professional performance and coordination of all participating units.

As an international metropolis, Hong Kong must maintain a high state of vigilance amidst the complex and volatile global terrorism landscape. Through this comprehensive exercise, various departments further refined collaboration and contingency protocols, making every effort to ensure meticulous preparations for the upcoming major international events.

The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area. Photo shows officers of the Counter Terrorism Response Unit engaging in a gunfight with assailants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area. Photo shows ambulance personnel from the Fire Services Department rendering emergency care to the injured under the protection of the Counter Terrorism Response Unit officers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area. Photo shows a simulation of admission of delegates. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area. Photo shows the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (centre) observing the exercise and being briefed. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image