Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department… read more
​Hong Kong Customs seized about 680 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $360 million in Kwai Chung on February 10.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico and declared as carrying heating panels, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside 80 heating panels. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs arrested a 67-year-old male consignee, claiming to be a driver, in Kwai Chung on the same day.
On March 3, Customs conducted a controlled delivery operation, leading to the further arrest of two men, aged 35 and 45, who were suspected to be connected with the case in Tsuen Wan.
The investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
​Hong Kong Customs seized about 680 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $360 million in Kwai Chung on February 10.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico and declared as carrying heating panels, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside 80 heating panels. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs arrested a 67-year-old male consignee, claiming to be a driver, in Kwai Chung on the same day.
On March 3, Customs conducted a controlled delivery operation, leading to the further arrest of two men, aged 35 and 45, who were suspected to be connected with the case in Tsuen Wan.
The investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
In response to media enquiries about the suspension of the licence of a day procedure centre (DPC) in Causeway Bay, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (March 5) responded as follows:
“Upon receipt of a complaint about a suspected mishandling of medical equipment by a DPC, Dr MD Clinic and Ambulatory Centre located at the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay, the DH immediately investigated and conducted unannounced inspections. During the inspections, the DPC was found to have contravened the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, namely improper handling and management of an anaesthetic drug, failure to properly sterilise medical equipment, and inadequate staff training and supervision. In addition, the DPC was suspected to have filled in false information in the checking and monitoring of records, including those concerning medical equipment.
The DH has not received any reports of adverse events related to this DPC on the matter so far.
Given the potential risks to patients of the multiple serious breaches of the Code of Practice, and in order to protect the public interest, the DH announced the suspension of the DPC’s licence with immediate effect. The DPC in question will not be allowed to provide any specialised services listed on its licence, including surgical and anaesthetic procedures.
At the same time, the DH has initiated the process for cancellation of the licence for the DPC concerned. Under sections 30 and 31 of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, the licensee will be given a 14 days’ notice and an opportunity to make representations within 10 days from the date of the notice given to the licensee before the licence is cancelled.
If there is sufficient evidence, the DH will also refer the case to the relevant enforcement or professional regulatory bodies for necessary follow-up action on the suspected use of a false instrument and professional misconduct by the person involved.
The DH reminds those who have undergone anaesthetic procedures, including tumescent anesthesia at the above-mentioned DPC, to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell.
The DH will continue to closely monitor licensed private healthcare facilities to protect patient safety.” read more
The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) today (March 5) announced that the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2025-26 is open for applications between now and April 23, 2025.
The SPPRFS is aimed at encouraging local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, and to facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the Government to tap the public policy research expertise of society. In light of the policy priorities of the Government, six strategic themes have been identified for the SPPRFS 2025-26. They are: (a) Development Opportunities from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; (b) New Quality Productive Forces; (c) Integrated Development of Education, Technology and Talents; (d) International Financial, Shipping and Trade Centre; (e) Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and (f) Elderly and Healthcare Services.
Applications for the SPPRFS must be made under one of the above specified strategic themes and be in line with the specified research areas. Those falling outside the specified strategic themes and specified research areas will not be considered generally. Each SPPRFS project may be granted a maximum of HK$5 million and last from one to five years.
Separately, the major themes and indicative research areas of the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS), which is also administered by the CEPU, have been updated having regard to Hong Kong’s current and long-term development as well as the need for research on various social issues. While applications for the SPPRFS are accepted at specific times each year, the PPRFS focuses on research studies of shorter duration and smaller scale with applications accepted throughout the year. Applications for the PPRFS will be vetted, and notifications of the results will be issued by batch.
Assessments for the SPPRFS and PPRFS will be conducted by an Assessment Panel, which comprises experienced academics and professional experts. The Assessment Panel will also take into account comments from external reviewers who are experienced academics and professional experts during the assessment process. To ensure the policy relevance of the research proposals, views of relevant government bureaux/departments will also be sought for reference by the Panel. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.
Research quality and relevance to public policy needs are the primary considerations in evaluating research proposals under both Schemes, including the reasonableness of the research proposal, the research team’s capability, the cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget, and whether the research findings can be effectively translated into practicable policy recommendations.
For details of the SPPRFS and PPRFS, including eligibility criteria, research areas, assessment mechanism, application method and other related information, please visit the CEPU’s website (www. cepu.gov.hk/en/PRFS). read more