Hong Kong International Airport arrests 3 for carrying suspected weapons

By Hoang Vu January 9, 2026 | 12:32 am PT

Passengers wait to be checked-in at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo by AFP

A woman and two teenagers traveling to the U.S. and Canada were arrested on Tuesday at Hong Kong International Airport after suspected pepper spray canisters and brass knuckles were found in their luggage.

The arrests came after police received reports of suspected prohibited items discovered in a piece of checked luggage and two carry-on bags during security checks, Bangkok Post reported.

The checked luggage, belonging to a 15-year-old girl bound for Canada, was found to contain a prohibited item suspected to be brass knuckles, the South China Morning Post reported.

Suspected pepper spray canisters were discovered in the carry-on bags of a 16-year-old and a 21-year-old woman flying to the U.S.

All three were later released on bail pending further investigation.

In Hong Kong, carrying unauthorized weapons in either checked or carry-on baggage is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.

Hong Kong International Airport was named "Asia's Leading Airport" at this year's World Travel Awards.