Consulate General Michael Klosson thanked the Force for its help in the investigation and arrest of Cheng Chui-ping, an alleged mastermind of the 'olden Venture' smuggling tragedy which saw 10 mainlanders drown off New York in 1993 after a freighter carrying almost 300 Fujianese illegal immigrants ran aground.

Wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies, the woman was arrested by Narcotics Bureau officers at Chek Lap Kok on April 17. She was remanded in custody by an Eastern Court Magistrate pending a June 16 extradition hearing.

Mr Klosson said: "The law enforcement relationship between the US and Hong Kong is one of the most productive in the world. The arrest demonstrates our common determination to bring to justice those who engage in the deadly practice of human smuggling."

NB Chief Superintendent Henrique Koo Sii-hong said: "The case was one of the many in which the Force has demonstrated its commitment to the fight against international crime, and its determination that Hong Kong does not become a safe haven for fugitives."



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