A 35-year-old British man was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport for damaging about 10 check-in kiosks and possessing 4 Viagra pills, a controlled substance. He faces criminal damage and illegal drug possession charges with penalties up to 2 years jail and a HK$100,000 fine.
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Source: OT-Team(G), 星岛头条, 环球时报, 九派新闻
A foreign traveller was arrested on the morning of February 16 after causing extensive damage inside the departure hall of Hong Kong International Airport, prompting a police investigation into criminal damage and suspected illegal possession of regulated medication.
The incident took place at around 6:00 a.m. near Entrance J of the departure check-in area at Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport. According to police and local media reports, a man suddenly became agitated and began vandalising airport facilities, alarming nearby passengers and staff.
Witness footage circulating online shows the man pushing over multiple self-service check-in kiosks and striking them repeatedly with a signpost after they had fallen to the ground. Staff members and travellers reportedly kept their distance during the disturbance due to safety concerns.
Police said they received an emergency report at 5:56 a.m. regarding a man damaging property at the airport. Initial investigations indicate the suspect used a luggage trolley to ram metal railings before manually toppling about 10 smart check-in kiosks and damaging a glass panel at a nearby counter. Airline and Airport Authority personnel alerted authorities shortly afterward.
Officers conducted a search operation and later located the suspect at the L8 bus drop-off area within the airport complex. The man, identified as a 35-year-old British national, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Police are continuing to investigate his motive.
According to reports cited by Hong Kong Free Press, officers also discovered four Viagra tablets in the man's backpack. He was additionally arrested on suspicion of possessing a "Part 1 poison," as Viagra is classified as a controlled pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong and requires a valid prescription.
Under Hong Kong law, possession of such medication without a prescription may carry a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (approximately S$16,142).
Sources said the man had arrived in Hong Kong in November last year and was permitted to stay for about six months. He had reportedly planned to purchase a flight ticket to leave the city shortly before the incident occurred.
The case has been handed over to the Airport District Crime Squad for further investigation. Airport operations were not reported to have been significantly disrupted.
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