Police said they had dismantled an alleged online cannabis-sales network after arresting six local men aged between 22 and 52. Officers reported seizing about 7.7 kilograms of suspected cannabis flowers, as well as a large quantity of other cannabis-related products, with an estimated value of approximately HK$1.9 million.
The operation began in July after police patrols online identified suspected cannabis sales through social-media platforms. Police said the raids took place on 24 and 25 August at an alleged operational base and storage locations in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long.
On 24 August, officers raided an alleged base in a commercial building on Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, arresting a suspected leader and two alleged customer-service staff, according to police. They also searched an alleged storage warehouse in an industrial building in Tsuen Wan, where about 1 kilogram of suspected cannabis flowers was seized, and arrested a man in Sham Shui Po suspected of making deliveries.
Police said a further raid on 25 August at an alleged supply warehouse in Ngau Keng Tsuen, Yuen Long, led to the arrest of a 42-year-old man and the seizure of about 6.2 kilograms of suspected cannabis flowers. The total reported value of the seized items was approximately HK$1.9 million, although one report put it at more than that amount.
Police alleged that an Instagram account promoted content related to cannabis use and directed users to a Telegram channel and WhatsApp ordering links. The channels allegedly offered different cannabis products, including cannabis cookies and sweets.
The group allegedly divided its work among a leader, social-media managers, customer-service staff, warehouse managers and delivery personnel. Police said it had operated for at least two months and believed the network had been fully dismantled.
The six men were expected to face provisional charges including conspiracy to traffic in dangerous drugs and trafficking in dangerous drugs. They were scheduled to appear on 27 August at West Kowloon and Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts. The reports did not identify the men, and the allegations had not been tested or proven in court.