Hong Kong law enforcement launched an immediate manhunt Thursday evening following a volatile anti-narcotics operation in To Kwa Wan that left three men injured, including at least one Customs officer, following a struggle inside a residential building. The incident unfolded just after 5 p.m. at Honour Building on 80 To Kwa Wan Road, where Customs officials were reportedly executing a raid on a suspected drug-related premises.
The dramatic nature of the resistance encountered during the raid resulted in three individuals sustaining slash wounds. Initial reports indicate two victims suffered injuries to their legs, while another victim sustained a hand injury. All three injured parties were conscious and transported by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for urgent medical attention. The individual responsible for the attack managed to flee the scene amid the chaos.
Large-Scale Police Response Secures Residential Area
The severity of the assault prompted a significant deployment of police resources to the area, located in Kowloon City. Patrolling officers swiftly cordoned off the perimeter of the apartment block to secure the scene for forensic investigation.
In a measure illustrating the high-risk nature of the escapee, specialized units were quickly mobilized to assist in the search. Notably, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) was deployed alongside regular police teams to reinforce the area containment and pursuit efforts. Supported by police dogs, officers conducted thorough searches of the building’s stairwells, common areas, and surrounding neighborhood well into the evening in an effort to locate the assailant.
The immediate objective for law enforcement remains the swift apprehension of the suspect, who is considered dangerous given the use of a weapon during the alleged escape. The investigation is primarily focused on gathering crucial evidence from the apartment and interviewing witnesses to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the violence.
The Context of Enforcement Operations
This violent confrontation underscores the inherent dangers faced by Hong Kong’s enforcement personnel during operations targeting illicit narcotics. Drug raids, often conducted in private residences, can be unpredictable, requiring officers to be prepared for sudden and aggressive resistance.
While Customs focuses heavily on preventing the cross-border trafficking of narcotics, internal operations targeting distribution networks within the city often involve complex coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force. The deployment of elite units like the CTRU in such situations, even in a supporting search capacity, highlights the priority placed on minimizing public threat and ensuring officer safety.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect to contact the police immediately. The comprehensive investigation into both the suspected drug activity and the serious assault is ongoing, with officials committed to restoring safety and order to the To Kwa Wan community. Further updates on the suspects’ capture and the condition of the injured officers are expected to follow.