Halloween crackdown in West Kowloon nets 24 arrests and $80,000 in drugs

Police launched a major overnight anti-crime sweep across West Kowloon on Halloween, targeting teen drug abuse and vehicle-related offenses in bars and clubs, resulting in 24 arrests and the seizure of suspected narcotics worth around HK$80,000.

The operation ran from the evening of October 31 into the early hours today and involved units from the district action, mobile, tactical, traffic, and criminal investigation teams, along with Tsim Sha Tsui police officers. 

They set up roadblocks to intercept suspicious vehicles, conducted high-visibility patrols, and inspected multiple bars and nightclubs.

Officers detained 18 local men and six local women aged 19 to 62 on charges ranging from trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs to drink-driving, driving while disqualified, and using a vehicle without third-party insurance. 

Several were also found with offensive weapons, and one 44-year-old man was a wanted person.

Among the haul was an e-cigarette allegedly containing etomidate, carried by a 19-year-old suspect. 

Authorities expressed particular alarm over youth involvement in drug misuse and pledged intensified enforcement to curb drug-related crimes in the district.