Illegal ride-hailing crackdown unexpectedly uncovers cannabis in Happy Valley

Undercover traffic police targeting illegal ride-hailing services in Happy Valley on Monday (Feb 2) unexpectedly uncovered a suspected drug trafficking case, leading to the arrest of a 32-year-old local driver on multiple charges.

Officers from the Hong Kong Island Traffic Department posed as passengers and booked a ride-hailing vehicle from the Mid-Levels to Ventris Road in Happy Valley. Upon arrival, officers identified themselves and conducted a search of the vehicle.

A black suitcase found in the trunk contained about 15 grams of suspected cannabis along with drug paraphernalia, police said.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of trafficking in dangerous drugs, illegal hire or reward carriage of passengers, and driving without valid third-party insurance.

According to sources, the vehicle involved was a newly registered private car — an electric vehicle from a mainland Chinese brand — that had been on the road for only three days.

Police investigations at the scene were ongoing.