19 people arrested over recent gang fight in Sai Kung; suspected of fighting over smuggling activities

^{Screen grab from video (see below)}

Last Saturday night (15/1) scenes from a gangster movie played out on the streets of Sai Kung. Two gangs fought in the streets over the rights to smuggling territory, then started a car chase playing with the “bumper cars” on the roads around the market. The police have now detained 19 people involved in the case so far and expect more people will be arrested.

^{YouTube video of the gang fight and police response}

Recently police have cracked down on smuggling activities by sea, causing smuggling groups to find new routes. The police point out that a smuggling group that was originally active in the New Territories North was eager to find a new location for loading and unloading. Last Saturday night, they attempted to smuggle at the Sai Kung Town Centre Pier, which upset another group of people with triad backgrounds living in the Sai Kung. This resulted in the fights and car chase. Two members of the gangs were arrested that night.

After investigation by the Kowloon East Regional Anti-Triad Team, Crime Headquarters, the New Territories North Regional Criminal Department and other departments, 19 people involved in the case have currently been arrested, all of whom are still being detained for investigation. The arrested persons involve two gangs. Some have triad backgrounds, and as the case is still under investigation, other people involved may be arrested.

A Police Superintendent of the Kowloon East Regional Crime Headquarters pointed out that the police will never accept incidents that seriously endanger public order and public safety. Because the incident had the possibility of causing casualties to innocent citizens, the police will definitely deal with it seriously. He reiterated that smuggling activities that disregard the safety of others will never be tolerated.

The incident happened at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. There were many people fighting at the junction of Yi Chun Street and Man Nin Street in Sai Kung. Three private cars were in a chase in the busy streets around Sai Kung market after an altercation at the Pier. They collided at the roundabout after being followed from the Pier by some of the smugglers. After police arrived they arrested two men at the location of the fight and then investigated the collision site, arresting four men and a woman near Hiram’s Highway.