Hong Kong authorities have apprehended a 38-year-old man in connection with the brutal knife attack that injured three Customs officers during a narcotics raid last week. The arrest, executed in the New Territories North on Wednesday morning, marks a crucial development in the high-profile investigation that has gripped the city.
The incident unfolded on November 6, when a team of seven Customs officers was conducting an anti-narcotics operation at an address in To Kwa Wan. At approximately 5:09 p.m., the male target of the raid allegedly attacked the officers with a cleaver, causing significant injuries before fleeing the scene. The arrest follows days of intense manhunt and related detentions of the suspect’s alleged associates.
Details of the Violent Confrontation
The sudden, swift attack occurred as the enforcement team entered the premises at Honour Building on To Kwa Wan Road. Despite being equipped with standard-issue gear, including firearms, handcuffs, and batons, the officers were severely wounded. All three injured officers were conscious and immediately transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for urgent treatment.
The injuries sustained highlight the severity of the assault: a 29-year-old inspector suffered a four-centimeter laceration to the left knee; a 42-year-old senior officer sustained two cuts, each approximately 10 centimeters long, on the right hand; and a 36-year-old officer had three 10-centimeter wounds distributed across the right hand, left knee, and right leg. The Customs and Excise Department confirmed the team was ambushed during the operation.
Fugitive Hunt and Related Arrests
In the immediate aftermath of the assault, the suspect reportedly locked himself inside the main flat before escaping through a window. Investigators had been diligently tracing the fugitive’s movements since the incident.
The breakthrough in the case began last Friday when police detained two individuals suspected of assisting the offender. Furthermore, the suspect’s mother was intercepted on suspicion of misleading police during the initial search efforts. These arrests provided key leads, culminating in the apprehension of the primary suspect this morning at around 8:00 a.m.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The operation that led to the attack was highly successful in terms of narcotics seizure. Following the initial raid, officers successfully recovered a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics, along with five suspected imitation firearms, from the To Kwa Wan flat. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of an additional haul of suspected heroin stashed in a mini-storage unit within the district.
The 38-year-old is now in police custody as detectives continue to piece together his movements and verify the involvement of alleged accomplices. This type of violent resistance against law enforcement personnel, particularly during drug enforcement operations, underscores the escalating dangers faced by officers on the frontline.
Police officials are expected to provide further details regarding the arrest and ongoing investigation during an upcoming afternoon press briefing. Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of their personnel while maintaining a proactive stance against drug trafficking in Hong Kong.