6th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Throughout the recent Christmas and New Year holiday period, from 2oth December, 2024, to 5th January, 2025, a variety of recreational activities took place in Central’s entertainment areas. The Central Police District implemented crowd control measures at event venues and conducted an anti-crime operation dubbed “MINGLEFLOW” nearby. This initiative aimed to protect young people and combat illegal activities, including drug abuse, while ensuring that local bars and shops do not sell alcohol to those under 18.
On 31st December, New Year’s Eve, large crowds gathered in Lan Kwai Fong, Central, to welcome in 2024, prompting police to enforce crowd control measures.
The operation unfolded in multiple stages. In addition to mobilising criminal unit personnel, the police collaborated with various stakeholders to raise awareness in entertainment venues, reminding young people to protect themselves from drugs and other temptations during their leisure time.
During the operation, police inspected numerous bars and discovered two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, lingering in a bar late at night. This led to enforcement actions to ensure that establishments were not serving alcohol to minors.
Officers also conducted high-profile patrols and intelligence-led operations in high-risk areas to tackle illegal activities. As a result, five men and two women, aged between 16 and 43, were arrested for offences related to public fighting, drug trafficking, and drug possession.
The police remain committed to combating drug-related crimes, particularly those affecting youth, and will continue the “MINGLEFLOW” operations during future holiday periods. They urge young people to remain vigilant when socialising and to avoid drugs while encouraging parents to be aware of potential illegal activities involving their children. Under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in dangerous drugs can result in life imprisonment and fines of up to HK$5 million.
