The boy was arrested with 11 kg of firecrackers.
Hong Kong police on Saturday arrested a teenager for illegal possession of fireworks, according to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The 15-year-old boy was arrested by police while carrying out an operation to check people who set off illegal fireworks on a beach in Ma On Shan town. The boy was arrested on charges of illegally possessing fireworks and carrying 11 kg of fireworks, SCMP reports. Under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Goods Ordinance, a person can be fined HK$25,000 or imprisoned for six months for illegally possessing and discharging firecrackers.
Police said it was “irresponsible” to set off fireworks in a residential area. “It endangers the safety of others and your own, and can cause a fire or even explode at any time,” the newspaper quoted a Hong Kong police spokesman as saying.
Videos posted on social media showed fireworks being fired at Sha Tin and Tuen Mun.
Another boy was also arrested after allegedly claiming to be a member of a triad, SCMP said.
People use firecrackers to celebrate occasions like the New Year, as it is believed to bring good luck, health, and wealth.
But for four years now, Hong Kong has not held a traditional fireworks display on Victoria Harbor on the 2nd of the Lunar New Year.
It was first carried out due to local unrest and then the COVID-19 pandemic causing it to be delayed.
According to the Summary Ordinance, anyone who discharges, throws or sets off any fireworks that damage property or endanger any person, will face a maximum penalty of three months. imprisonment or a fine of HK$2,000 (US$256).
Featured video of the day
Gunman shot 10 people at event in California, killed himself while surrounded
