Hong Kong police patrol the streets in Mong Kok, Oct 13, 2018. (PHOTO / IC)

Hong Kong police said Tuesday they have arrested at least 186 people, including nine who were underage, in connection to an organized-crime syndicate, or triad.

Of the people arrested, 15 were suspected to have triad backgrounds, said Superintendent Au Yeung Siu-kong, assistant district commander (Crime) of Yuen Long District, at a media briefing.

Hong Kong police’s determination to combat crimes will not wane and will spare no efforts to battle illegal activities although the police are having to devote a lot of energy to deal with violent public demonstrations over the past seven months of social unrest

Au Yeung Siu-kong, assistant district commander (Crime) of Yuen Long district

In all, 68 men and 118 women, aged between 14 and 71, were arrested for a number of offenses, which include recruiting members for the triad, claiming or acting as a member of a triad, possessing offensive weapons, trafficking in dangerous drugs and breaching conditions of stay. 

Among them, 50 people were charged, and eight of whom were convicted. Another 48 people are waiting to appear in court, while 64 persons who breached the conditions of stay were handed over to the Immigration Department pending repatriation, Au Yeung said. 

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Police also seized drugs worth HK$30,000, including cocaine and meth, as well as related paraphernalia.

More than 300 officers took part in the operation that spanned from January 6 to 20. The move followed seven months of intelligence gathering, including undercover operations, starting in June 2019, said Au Yeung.

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Hong Kong police’s determination to combat crimes will not wane and the force will spare no efforts to battle illegal activities although police are having to devote a lot of energy to deal with violent public demonstrations over the past seven months, he said.

Au Yeung noted that the criminal gangs often become active around the Spring Festival, engaging in extortion and criminal intimidation. Members of the public are urged to inform police of any suspected criminal activities.

Officers reiterated that joining the triad is a serious offense. Any person who incites or invites another to join the triad is liable to be convicted and fined HK$250,000. It could also attract imprisonment for up to 5 years. Any person acting as a member will be liable on conviction to a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years.