Hong Kong police seize $3 million drug lab in Cheung Sha Wan, arrest five youths

Hong Kong police dismantled a clandestine drug‑manufacturing operation in a residential flat at Lai Hong House, Ching Lai Court, Cheung Sha Wan on 13 July. The raid netted around one kilogram of suspected powdered etomidate, 25 containers of chemical precursors, more than 10,000 empty cartridge casings, 300 finished etomidate vape cartridges, 240 g of suspected ketamine and packaging equipment, together valued at over HK$3 million. An imitation semi‑automatic pistol and three empty magazines were also recovered.

Five suspects, aged 17 to 21, were arrested on suspicion of manufacturing and trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing an imitation firearm. Among them were three university students and a 17‑year‑old barista; all are believed to have gang affiliations. Police say the flat was used as a drug workshop for about two months, exploiting the dense residential setting to conceal the operation. The suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.