The Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Department on Friday said it has arrested nine men under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance’s “unlawful drills” offence — the first time the charge has been implemented — with all suspects now being held in custody and under further investigation.

According to Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the National Security Department, several of those arrested were said to have been spotted near the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, dressed in clothing similar to that worn by anti-government activists during the 2019 social unrest.

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This suggests that anti-government activity still lurks in the city, Li said.

The arrests were made when the police raided a factory space in San Po Kong, Wong Tai Sin, on Thursday night, where they apprehended a group of six suspects who had allegedly gathered for illegal training in anti-government activities involving the handling of firearms and knives, as well as combat drills and and radio communication exercises.

Police later made three additional arrests in Tuen Mun and Yau Ma Tei. All nine men are aged between 20 and 25.

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Li said the national security police are now probing what the suspects were intending to use the weapons for and whether there were others involved in the illegal drills, which could potentially pose a threat to Hong Kong’s overall stability and security.

Section 13 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance carries a maximum jail term of seven years for anyone found guilty of organizing unlawful drills, and up to three years for anyone participating in the drills.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com