Three arrested in HK$98.7 million cannabis bust

Police have arrested three men for allegedly trafficking over 500 kilos of cannabis flower worth an estimated HK$98.7 million – the biggest cannabis case since 2023. Officers arrested the trio in Sai Kung on Wednesday morning after they were seen carrying a lot of bags from a beach to the roadside. Acting Senior Superintendent, Leung Ho-ming, said the drugs were smuggled in by sea. "We believe this batch of drugs was destined for the local market. If it had been sold on the streets, the consequences would have been unthinkable," he said. "This operation successfully stopped the drugs at the source before they could reach the public. It has dealt a heavy blow to a supply chain targeting Hong Kong, prevented a large amount of drugs from hitting the local market, and protected public health – especially shielding young people from the dangers of drugs." The three men were aged between 25 and 34. Police believe they were key members of the syndicate, responsible for receiving and distributing the drugs. Police said the syndicate chose remote coastal areas and operated in the early morning hours – hoping the cover of dawn would help them avoid detection. Edited by Tony Sabine