A large number of air guns and explosives seized by the Hong Kong Police Force Photo: local media reports

The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) arrested nine men on suspicion of unlawful drilling and seized a large number of air guns and explosives. This is the first time the provision on "unlawful drilling" has been invoked in an arrest operation, according to a press conference held by the HKPF on Friday. 

During the investigation, police found that among those arrested, some individuals wearing outfits commonly used during the black-clad violence in 2019 had been seen entering and leaving the scene of the Wang Fuk Court fire.

The NSD of the HKPF received reports from residents that weapons were suspected to be stored and unlawful drilling was being conducted in a building in San Po Kong Mansion, Li Kwai-wah, Chief Superintendent of the department, said during the press conference. 

After completing a preliminary investigation, the NSD arrested six men at the scene on suspicion of unlawful drilling. They were aged between 20 and 25. Following further investigation, another three men aged between 20 and 22 were arrested, bringing the total number of arrests to nine. All those arrested are being held for investigation.

They were suspected of storing weapons and conducting training resembling military-style exercises, which authorities believe was aimed at organizing anti-government individuals and providing them with training, including firearms, combat knives, hand-to-hand fighting, and radio communications, Li said. 

On Thursday night, officers from the department executed a court-issued search warrant and conducted a raid on the industrial unit involved in the case. Upon entering the premises, officers found six men, one of whom was giving instructions to the others present, according to the press conference. 

After controlling the individuals at the scene and conducting a search, officers seized five long air guns, two air pistols, five imitation short knives, one imitation long sword, combat equipment, and explosives, as well as slogans commonly used by black-clad rioters in 2019. 

The explosives had been modified and equipped with fuses that could be ignited and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau is examining their destructive capability. In addition, a 3D printer was found, and police will investigate whether it was used to manufacture firearms or firearm components.

This is the first time the provision on unlawful drilling has been used for an arrest operation, Li said. 

Under Article 13 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, if the specified drills are conducted without the approval of the Secretary for Security or the Commissioner of Police, the provider of the training can face up to seven years in prison, while those receiving the training can be sentenced to up to three years. If the drills are related to external forces, the penalties increase: the provider can face up to 10 years, and the trainee up to five years.

Li said the drills refer to exercises using offensive weapons, military training, or tactical maneuvers. If the exercises are solely for recreational purposes, they are not illegal. Although the explosives found on site were low-performance, they are not harmless, which is why the police are taking the matter very seriously, the police officer emphasized. 

In addition, some of the arrested individuals were seen wearing clothing commonly associated with violent protests at the Tai Po fire scene, raising concerns about their intentions there. This also suggests early signs of violent activity, Li said, noting that the investigation will examine how weapons and explosives were made and used, and whether anyone had previously participated in unauthorized drills.