*********************************************************
The Police Organized Crime and Triad Bureau arrested nine Hong Kong citizens, including five men and four women, aged from 21 to 34, for ¡°Conspiracy to Manufacture Explosives¡± in various districts in Hong Kong, including Sai Kung, last night (June 14).
Police investigation revealed that two men brought some chemical ingredients for an explosive test in Ho Chung, Sai Kung last night. They were immediately arrested with chemicals seized and smoke found at scene. Officers of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau later denoted some of the chemicals at scene.
In addition, chemical ingredients for manufacturing a form of high explosive Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) were seized at the living place of one of the arrestees while the chemical formula for manufacturing smoke grenade was found in the mobile phone of another arrestee. Scene enquiry and collection of evidence is underway.
Police later arrested another three men and four women in different locations. Someone claimed to be member of a local radical organisation. In the whole operation, some chemicals, computers, promotion leaflets, maps, masks, thinner water, and some air rifles were seized.
Police investigation is still ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not excluded.
Police remind the public that manufacturing or conspiring to manufacture explosive is a very serious offence. According to Section 54 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap 200), the maximum penalty upon conviction will be 20 years¡¯ imprisonment. Police emphasise that we have the confidence and ability to investigate such crime and members of the public should refrain from committing criminal acts.
Police also appeal to members of the public that they should obey the law when taking part in public events, and avoid being incited or used by others to commit violent acts. Should there be any confrontation, they should protect their own safety, leave the scene at once and maintain a safe distance from the violent protestors so as to give Police enough space to deal with any violent and unlawful acts. If the public spot any suspicious persons or objects during large-scale public events, they should inform Police immediately under safety circumstances.
Police reiterate that we will not tolerate any acts endangering public order and public safety. Police will take resolute and effective actions against any violent and unlawful activities in order to restore social order.
Ends/Monday, June 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:47
NNNN
