Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $33 million
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 21) seized about 39 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $33 million in Tsim Sha Tsui. A man was arrested.
During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday afternoon, Customs intercepted a man outside a commercial building unit. The man was then escorted to the unit for a search and about 39kg of suspected cocaine was seized inside. The 37-year-old man was immediately arrested at the scene.
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 seizes suspected cocaine worth about $33 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH announces latest situation of Legionnaires' Disease cases
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 24) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD), and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
From March 16 to 22, the CHP recorded one imported LD case, involving a 63-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses, who travelled on a cruise and visited Indonesia, the Philippines as well as Taiwan during the incubation period.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any.
As of March 22, 34 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2024 and 2023, there were 135 and 121 LD cases respectively.
Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels.
Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
Immunocompromised persons should:
The public should observe the health advice below:
The public may visit the CHP'sLD page, theCode of Practice for Prevention of LDand theHousekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Managementof the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP'srisk-based strategyfor prevention and control of LD.
