Police helicopter targets illegal immigrants arriving in Hong Kong via speedboat
Air patrol aims to counter mainland Chinese smuggling gangs that take advantage of the city’s secluded coastal spots and foggy weather
Police have launched aerial surveillance to crack down on illegal immigrants being smuggled into Hong Kong from mainland China in speedboats.
The deployment of a Government Flying Service helicopter is part of renewed efforts to combat a growing number of illegal immigrants from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Vietnam.
With marine police having already arrested about 90 illegal immigrants at various landing spots around the city so far this month, the helicopter will be a huge asset, given its ability to cover a large area, according to sources.
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“It can help to identify suspicious boats easily and record their movements clearly,” one source said, refusing to reveal how often the helicopter would be deployed.
A subsequent air and land search saw police arrest seven illegal immigrants in Lantau South Country Park.
“Snakeheads recently took advantage of foggy weather to smuggle illegal immigrants into Hong Kong,” another source said, referring to mainland Chinese gangs known for smuggling people into other countries.
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“In Sai Kung, officers picked up 28 illegal South Asian immigrants on Saturday and another 17 the following day.”
It is understood several people-smuggling syndicates are operating in Hong Kong, offering a one-stop service to bring people from their home countries to the city via mainland China, for a charge anywhere between HK$5,000 and HK$50,000.
They usually disembark at secluded landing spots such as Fung Hang and Kuk Po in Sha Tau Kok, Tai Long Tsui and Ham Tin Wan in Sai Kung, and Fan Lau on Lantau.
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