Police have arrested over 1,800 people and seized dangerous drugs and illicit goods worth more than $100 million during an anti-crime operation by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau authorities.

The intelligence-led enforcement exercise codenamed THUNDERBOLT 2022, which began on May 20, aims to curb the illegal activities of triad societies and organised crime syndicates, neutralising cross-boundary crimes, and interdicting the criminals’ source of income.

Police, together with the Immigration, Customs & Excise, Fire Services and Food & Environmental Hygiene departments, conducted searches at 2,548 locations including bars, amusement game centres, cyber cafes, party rooms and residential units during the operation.

As at last Friday, 1,837 people aged 11 to 90 were arrested, 73 were from the Mainland and 119 were non-ethnic Chinese. The suspects were arrested for triad-related offences and drug offences, wounding, criminal damage, blackmail, possession of offensive weapons, operating an illegal gambling establishment and operating a vice establishment.

Dangerous drugs and psychotropic drugs worth around $80 million, including cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and midazolam were also seized.

As THUNDERBOLT 2022 is ongoing, citizens are encouraged to come forward with intelligence regarding triad societies and organised crime syndicates, the force added.