Police smash social media cannabis ring, arrest 10 and seize $16m haul

A drug syndicate that sold cannabis through social media channels has been smashed, with 10 people arrested and drugs worth about HK$16 million seized.

The Hong Kong Police Force said the group used online platforms including Instagram and Telegram to promote cannabis and related products, operating a dedicated website and chat groups to attract buyers.

The narcotics bureau launched an operation in December last year after detecting a rise in online cannabis sales. Following undercover work and intelligence analysis, officers identified the group’s base in Mong Kok and two storage sites in Fo Tan and Kam Tin.

Police mounted coordinated raids on Wednesday (Feb 11), arresting eight men and two women aged 22 to 42 on suspicion of trafficking in dangerous drugs and conspiracy to traffic in dangerous drugs.

Officers seized about 78 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, cannabis oil cartridges and cannabis-infused edibles. Some suspects were allegedly responsible for social media promotion, customer liaison, order processing and delivery, while warehouses in industrial buildings were used for storage.

Police said the syndicate promoted cannabis as trendy and harmless online, but stressed the drug poses health risks, particularly to young people.

Nine suspects will be charged and brought before magistrates’ courts, while one has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Under Hong Kong law, drug trafficking carries a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment.