Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 29) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     As enhancing the pedestrian experience is one of the initiatives supported by the Task Force on District Governance, the Highways Department has improved streetscapes and plans to renovate designated footbridges and subways across Hong Kong in two phases.
 
     News.gov.hk spoke to representatives from the department to learn about its multiple initiatives to renovate and refine streetscapes and pedestrian facilities, while highlighting unique district characteristics in its beautification designs.
 
     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature today (September 29) in text and video format.

          Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tin Shui Wai this afternoon (September 28), in which two men died.

          At around 3pm, a taxi driven by a 67-year-old man was travelling along Kong Sham Western Highway towards Shenzhen. It reportedly rammed into another taxi driven by a 57-year old man. When the two drivers alighted from the cars for checking, a private car driven by a 40-year-old man suspectedly failed to stop in time and knocked down both drivers.

          Sustaining serious injuries, the two taxi drivers were rushed to Tin Shui Wai Hospital in unconscious state and were certified dead at 3.54pm and 4.51pm respectively. A 29-year-old taxi female passenger also sustained injuries and was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital in conscious state.

          The private car driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

          Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.

          Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 27) detected one dangerous drugs case at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 14 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about $3.8 million.

     Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected a batch of air cargo consignment, declared as carrying vegetables and fruits, arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand. Upon inspection, among 53 carton boxes of goods, 2 were found containing dried seafood and mingled with the batch of suspected cannabis buds. A 58-year-old male consignee, who was suspected to be connected with the case, was subsequently arrested.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday mounted a controlled delivery operation in Kowloon City, and arrested a 43-year-old female, suspected to be connected with the case.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items in and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     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 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

  

     The six-day Beijing-Jiuquan Exchange Tour held by the Junior Police Call (JPC) concluded its main itinerary today (September 28). Eighteen JPC members started their journey on September 24. In addition to visiting a number of historical and cultural sites in Beijing, the members also visited the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu Province. This not only enhanced participants' understanding of our nation’s history and popular science knowledge, it also provided opportunities for them to have a closer understanding of our country's latest technological developments and achievements.
 
     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is an important stop of the tour. On September 27, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, led the delegation to witness the historic moment when the mascots of the Force and the JPC were launched into space together with a satellite.
 
     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is the birthplace of China's aerospace industry. The whole nation rejoiced after China's first satellite "Dongfanghong 1" was launched into space from the centre on April 24, 1970. Since its establishment in 1958, the centre has carried out numerous historic launch missions, witnessing the glorious history of China's aerospace development.
 
     The satellite launched today is named "Shijian Satellite 19”. Accompanying the satellite into space were the Police's anti-scam mascot “Little Grape” and JPC mascot "Mini Bean". The cute "Little Grape" promotes anti-scam messages, while the amicable “Mini Bean” symbolises the self-discipline and bravery of JPC members.
 
     This was the first time for JPC members to witness a satellite launch in Jiuquan. The space flight of "Mini Bean" symbolises the infinite possibilities of the younger generation and inspires JPC members to bravely pursue their dreams and explore the unknown.
 
     In addition to witnessing the satellite launch, the Commissioner also led the JPC members to visit the launch site of the LandSpace liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket, launch tower of the Shenzhou manned spaceships, and astronaut dormitory “Wen Tiange” to learn about the daily lives and training of astronauts.
 
     The delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 29).