In a major operation, Hong Kong police have seized an estimated HK$180 million (US$23 million) worth of suspected cocaine from a typhoon shelter. The bust marks the largest drug seizure in the past 12 months.
According to Acting Senior Superintendent Kwan Chun-hin, three individuals - the mastermind and two key members of the trafficking syndicate - were arrested during the raid at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter on Friday. Police intercepted 241kg (531 pounds) of suspected cocaine bricks, disrupting the group's supply chain.
The operation involved extensive analysis of intelligence and surveillance camera footage, which led police to suspect that a large shipment of cocaine had been smuggled into Hong Kong via sea routes using vessels within the coastal typhoon shelter as a warehouse. The mastermind was arrested at his Aberdeen residence, while two people guarding the warehouse were apprehended.
The suspects will be charged with conspiracy to traffic in dangerous drugs and trafficking in dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. They face a maximum penalty of HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment if convicted.
This bust comes as Hong Kong recorded 1,281 serious drug cases in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year. Arrests for drug offences rose 27% year on year, with the number of suspects under 21 surging by 90%, largely driven by the spread of etomidate.
**Background**
Hong Kong has been grappling with rising drug-related cases in recent years. In 2025, there was a significant increase in serious drug cases and arrests for drug offences. The police have been working to disrupt supply chains and prevent narcotics from entering the local market. This operation is part of their efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.
Note: There is no information provided about the incident being linked to the United States or any other country outside of Hong Kong, so I did not include it in the article.