Tripartite joint operation “THUNDERBOLT 2020” against triads and organised crime

     Hong Kong Police arrested 380 people and seized dangerous drugs and illicit goods worth about HK$68.5 million during the first phase of a tripartite anti-crime joint operation, codenamed "THUNDERBOLT 2020", mounted by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police authorities between May 18 and May 29 this year.

     The police authorities of Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macau have spared no effort to combat triad activities and organised crimes, especially cross-boundary syndicates. The intelligence-led enforcement operation "THUNDERBOLT 2020" was aimed at curbing the illegal activities of triad societies and organised crime syndicates, neutralising cross-boundary crimes, and interdicting the criminals' source of income.

     During the operation, Hong Kong Police conducted searches of 527 locations including bars, amusement game centres, cyber cafe and residential units. A total of 380 persons were arrested for various offences, including triad-related offences, drug offences, robbery, illegal immigration, illegal gambling, criminal damage, wounding and possession of offensive weapons. A total of 251 men and 129 women, aged between 14 and 80, were arrested. Among them, eight were Mainlanders and 32 were non-ethnic Chinese. Hong Kong Police seized dangerous drugs and psychotropic drugs worth about $1.4 million, including cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and midazolam. Police also seized over 53,000 obscene and pirated DVDs valued at about $1.1 million.

     Despite being at the forefront of fighting COVID-19, Hong Kong Police remain committed to combating triads, syndicated and organised crime.  

     Hong Kong Police would continue to maintain close liaison and exchange intelligence with the Mainland and Macau police authorities with a view to interdicting cross-boundary triad activities to uphold the public confidence in law and order.