China makes 19000 triad arrests

More than 51,000 people thought to have links to triad gangs have been arrested across Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong, police announced yesterday.

In Hong Kong, police seized $102m Hong Kong dollars ($13m; £8.5m) in cash, along with drugs, pirated DVDs, weapons and contraband cigarettes worth HK$67m.

Customs police in south China’s Guangdong Province have detained 14 people who allegedly smuggled a large amount of bird’s nests into China, a lavish delicacy often used in soup.

Amid the raids police were able to crack down on illegal arms dealing, illegal gambling rings, prostitution, drugs and millions in illegal money.

The crime-sweep, part of a regular operation codenamed Thunderbolt 15, was reportedly the longest joint operation of its kind, and a model for increasing cross-border police cooperation in the future, state media said.

The nests were purchased in Hong Kong, transported to Macao and illegally brought to China via the port since April 2014.

The crackdown is a yearly mission to counteract organized crime activities.

Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong is set to officiate at the opening of the territory’s new Court of Final Appeal building, less than two weeks after controversially remarking that the SAR’s leader is above legislative, executive and judicial powers.

Reports indicate that more than 50,000 criminals associated with triad activity have been arrested in Hong Kong and neighboring places, according to the global Business Times.