Illegal fireworks worth $1m seized in Tuen Mun ahead of Lunar New Year

Police seized 58 boxes of illegal fireworks worth about HK$1 million during a raid on a container in Tuen Mun, arresting a 37-year-old local man.

Following intelligence gathering, officers conducted a targeted operation at around 4pm on Monday (Jan 26) in Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun district. About 800 kilograms of fireworks were found inside a container rented by the suspect. The seized items included various types of fireworks, such as Roman candles, novelty fireworks and firecrackers.

Senior Inspector Kwok Man-wai of the New Territories North regional anti-triad unit said police have observed a rise in illegal fireworks trading ahead of the festive season in previous years. He said intelligence-led operations were launched to intercept fireworks before they entered the market, adding that the latest action successfully prevented a large batch from being distributed.

The arrested man has been charged and will appear at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on February 12.
Police warned against illegal fireworks during festive periods, saying offenders face up to HK$200,000 in fines and 12 months’ jail.