Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong’s largest public hospital, Kai Tak Hospital, to commence service in phases during second half of 2026 (with photo)
The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced today (April 10) that the new acute hospital located in the Kai Tak Development Area is scheduled to commence services in October 2026 in phases. Officially named Kai Tak Hospital (KTH), it will be the largest healthcare hub in terms of bed capacity and total floor area in Hong Kong, with a total gross floor area of 500 000 square metres and 2 400 beds once fully operational.
The HA spokesperson said, “KTH will serve Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong districts, covering a population of more than 1.8 million. As the flagship hospital in the Kowloon Central Cluster, KTH will collaborate with other hospitals in the districts to optimise the overall acute care services in Kowloon, ensuring a more balanced distribution of public healthcare resources and efficient service provision. KTH will also provide clinical support to the adjacent Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, strengthening the synergy between the two hospitals, and will become the largest public healthcare hub in Hong Kong.”Issued at HKT 16:30
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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1 million at airport
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 1.56 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $1 million were seized.
A 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected heroin was found in his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 11).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach, and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs raids two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in Fanling
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs raids two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in Fanling
Customs officers ambushed and searched two logistics warehouses at Ping Che Road in Fanling and a medium goods vehicle parked inside one of the warehouses at noon yesterday. Customs seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes from the two warehouses and the vehicle. A 43-year-old man, who claimed to be a warehouse worker and was suspected to be connected with the case, was arrested at the scene.
Initial investigation revealed that a crime syndicate had repacked illicit cigarettes as genuine cargo pending transshipment in the warehouses, awaiting an opportunity to smuggle them into foreign countries or regions with higher tobacco duty rates than Hong Kong for profit.
The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source and flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source, as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.
Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Smuggling is also a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:30
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Come and join “Drug-free Camp” pop-up anti-drug game booth
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Come and join “Drug-free Camp” pop-up anti-drug game booth
The booth features three games where participants can take on the role of Guardians of Life. They will learn to distinguish between healthy and harmful items, identify and refuse dangerous drugs, and discover ways to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Upon completing the challenges, participants will “level up” to become Anti-drug Pioneers and receive souvenirs. Photo props will also be available at the venue. Parents are welcome to accompany their children to the game booth.
The game booth will operate from 11am to 7pm on the following dates and at the following locations. Admission is free.