The Fire Services Department (FSD) received the report of gas attack at an entrance of the Legislative Council Complex at 3.34pm today (July 1), with policemen felt unwell after inhaling of smoke. The FSD deployed five fire appliances and three ambulances to the scene. Two policemen were sent to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment.

     As white powder was found at the scene, the FSD deployed the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team to handle the incident. The HazMat Team detected that the white powder was p-phenylenediamine (dangerous goods in category 4).

     P-phenylenediamine is a poisonous substance. After a long exposure, it may cause itchy eyes, skin redness and swelling, and shortness of breath. Inhalation of large amounts of the substance may also cause serious skin and respiratory tract burns.

A group of rioters charged the Legislative Council Complex (Complex) today (July 1) and severely damaged the building and its facilities by mills barriers, iron poles and sundries. At around 9pm, the rioters vandalized the facilities after dashing into the Complex.

Police severely condemn the rioters’ behavior of storming the Complex today. Owing to the violent activities of the rioters, Police warn that dispersal action will soon be taken in the vicinity of the Complex. Police will use appropriate level of force in case their actions are met with obstruction or resistance. Police also urge protestors to leave the vicinity of the Complex immediately.

     In response to media enquiries regarding protestors scattering unknown powder at police officers, the Police spokesperson today (July 1) replied as follows:
      
     A group of violent protestors stormed the Legislative Council Complex by mills barriers, iron poles and miscellaneous objects this afternoon, leaving the complex facilities seriously damaged. During the period, some protestors scattered unknown powder at police officers at scene, causing some of them to feel unwell.   Initial inspection by the Fire Services Department confirmed the unknown powder is slightly toxic and prolonged contact will lead to swollen and sensitive skin.  Large amount of water is required to cleanse and decontaminate the substance.
      
     Feeling unwell, two police officers were sent to hospital after getting in touch with the powder at the Legislative Council Complex.  They were discharged after treatment and decontamination.
      
     Police severely condemn the protesters who used harmful powder to attack police officers. Police will conduct comprehensive investigation and follow up the case in stringent manner.
 

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 30) seized about 440 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $500,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.

     A female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday. During customs clearance, a packet of suspected cocaine was found on her. She was then arrested.

     Subsequently, the woman was escorted to hospital for examination and she further discharged a batch of suspected cocaine.

     The arrested woman, aged 28, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 2).

     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.

     Member of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

      The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat announced today (July 1) that all guided tours and services to the public in the LegCo Complex, including the service of the Public Complaints Office and visits to the LegCo Library, Archives and Children's Corner, are suspended until further notice.