Months after a smoke bomb purchased online by a teenager forced 300 residents to evacuate, a new threat has emerged with dangerous toy weapons—from mini cannons to self-defense items—are now just a click away.
The incident occurred on July 17, when a 13-year-old boy accidentally set off a toy smoke bomb bought from the mainland e-commerce platform Pinduoduo.
The boy was subsequently arrested for possession of "possession of explosives", and Pinduoduo has since removed the product from its listings.
According to a report by Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, it is found that several online retailers continue to sell “toys” that pose serious safety risks.
One such item is the "Li Yunlong's Italy mini cannon," priced at just 27 yuan, which can be fired using firecrackers.
Promotional videos demonstrate the cannon blasting through soda cans and encourage users to load multiple firecrackers to increase power—a feature that could cause severe injuries if aimed at people.
Another alarming product, a "toy air storm" that launches firecrackers with a single trigger pull, is sold for as little as 6.8 yuan. Advertisements show the device launching firecrackers that explode in the air like mini fireworks, posing serious burn risks.
The report also uncovered online platforms selling self-defense items, including an electric gun claiming to deliver 140,000 volts for 36.4 yuan, along with an electric baton available for 18.24 yuan.
Notably, one advertisement depicts a woman knocking out an attacker with the stun gun, marketed as a "legal self-defense weapon."
Although these items are controlled in Hong Kong, they are promoted with free shipping to local pick-up points, raising significant safety and regulatory concerns.
Meanwhile, the online platforms also host prank products inspired by the film “Tricky Brains”.
These include strong adhesive liquid and high-concentration odor spray, marketed as tools against illegally parked cars and "problem neighbors".
A "shocking pen" priced at 2.7 yuan delivers a mild electric shock when clicked, while other listings promote an "itching powder" featuring cartoon imagery likening to comedian Stephen Chow Sing-chi.
In response, Hong Kong Customs stated it applies risk management and intelligence and maintains close contact with e-commerce platforms to combat smuggling activities.
Customs has expressed concerns regarding the suspected controlled items, adding they will contact relevant platforms and limit related product visibility to Hong Kong customers if necessary.
They emphasized that all controlled items must be accompanied by a valid license or permit for import or export, warning that violations could lead to prosecution and confiscation of the items.
The department assured its commitment to promoting the city’s regulation among online retailers and monitoring the sale of regulated products to prevent illegal entry into Hong Kong.
