9 young men arrested for "unlawful drilling" by NSL police

發佈日期: 2025-12-12 22:42

TVB News

粵

已複製連結

The National Security Department of the Police Force arrested nine local men for allegedly conducting illegal military style training under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. 

It is the first time an arrest has been made over "unlawful drilling" under the Ordinance. 

During the operation, the police seized five suspected air guns, including what are believed to be rifles and pistols.

There were also suspected converted daggers, a long sword, combat equipment, and suspected explosive devices. 

The National Security Department said it received reports from a resident at the beginning of this year, that suspected military drill style activities were being carried out in an industrial building in San Po Kung. 

The police raided the flat on Thursday evening and arrested six young men, aged between 20 and 25.

Three other young men were later apprehended in Tuen Mun and Yau Ma Tei.

All of them were accused of "unlawful drilling."

The detainees said they are clerks, security guards and restaurant workers. 

Chief Superintendent (National Security) LI KWAI-WAH said "At this stage, our evidence indicated that they have conducted the trainings, something like our police officers. At least one or maybe two persons or arrestees, have appeared in the area of Tai Po of the fire disaster. I would like to highlight that what they dressed like was something like the activists commonly appeared on the ground during the 2019 incident, I mean the riot. So what they were doing is part of the investigation."

This is the first arrest made over "unlawful drilling" under Section 13 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. 

Offenders face up to seven years in prison.

If the activity is linked to external force, criminals could be sentenced to ten years in prison. 

Li added, "If the training or drilling is solely for leisure purpose, that would be an excuse for them. That is very important. If some people enjoy their weekend for the war game, it is definitely not an illegal drilling."