Police in deep water district, Hong Kong, conducted a joint operation codenamed "BLAZINGZONE" from October 27 to November 2 to crackdown on illegal activities in industrial units. The operation uncovered two suspected illegal gambling dens, one suspected private smoke storage warehouse, one suspected brothel, and one suspected unlicensed massage parlor in the deep water district. A total of 14 people, including six local men, seven local women, and one woman from Macau, were arrested, with ages ranging from 33 to 78. The arrests were made for various charges such as operating a brothel, managing a brothel, running an unlicensed massage parlor, operating a gambling den, gambling at a gambling den, overstaying, violating the Customs and Excise Ordinance, and the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. During the operation, police seized two electric mahjong tables, four sets of mahjong gambling equipment, approximately 120,000 un-taxed cigarettes, and about 26,2000 other smoking products with a total value of around HKD 600,000 and an assessed tax value of around HKD 400,000. Ten more items including lubricants, adult toys, and disposable towels were also seized.
Five of the male suspects and four of the arrested individuals have been charged and are due to appear in court at West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on November 5, 27, and 28. The rest of the arrested individuals were released on bail to await further investigation. This operation highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to address illegal activities and uphold public order in Hong Kong's industrial areas.