跛豪: The Rise and Fall of a Hong Kong Crime Lord

In the vibrant and chaotic streets of 1970s Hong Kong, there emerged a larger-than-life figure who would leave an indelible mark on the city's history: Ng Sek-Ho, better known as "跛豪" (meaning "Ho the Limp").
Imagine a scene from a gritty crime movie, set amidst the labyrinthine backstreets and neon-lit alleyways of Kowloon: A man with a limp, scars etched across his face, his eyes burning with a mix of cunning and ruthlessness. This was Ng Sek-Ho, the man who would become one of Hong Kong's most notorious drug kingpins.
Ng's story, from humble beginnings to his meteoric rise in the criminal underworld, is a tale that weaves together elements of violence, corruption, tragedy, and unexpected human bonds. Born into poverty in a run-down area of Hong Kong, Ng's education was cut short by the harsh realities of life on the streets. By the age of 17, he had joined the infamous 14K triad and embarked on a life of crime.
What set Ng apart from his rivals was not only his cunning but his keen eye for opportunity. In the tumultuous years following World War II, Hong Kong was a hotbed of opium trafficking, and Ng saw his chance to make a fortune. He established a network of contacts in Southeast Asia and forged alliances with corrupt officials who turned a blind eye to his illicit activities.
As Ng's wealth and power grew, so did the attention he attracted from law enforcement. In 1973, he was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. But like many of his contemporaries, Ng had bought his way into the corridors of power, and with the help of his connections, he escaped a lengthy prison sentence. This episode only emboldened Ng and cemented his reputation as an untouchable force in Hong Kong's criminal underworld.
Ng's reign as a drug lord was marked by both opulence and violence. He lived in a luxurious apartment, surrounded by beautiful women and extravagant parties. But beneath the glittering facade lurked a world of fear and bloodshed. Rival gangs, envious of his wealth and power, made repeated attempts on his life. Ng's paranoia grew, and he surrounded himself with armed guards who never left his side.
In one particularly chilling incident, Ng ordered the execution of his closest associate, Cat 仔, who he suspected of treachery. The murder sent shockwaves through Hong Kong's criminal circles, a testament to Ng's ruthless nature.
However, there was another side to Ng Sek-Ho, a side that was rarely seen. Despite his violent reputation, he had a soft spot for his family and friends. He took care of his elderly mother, and he was known to be generous to those who had helped him along the way.
In the end, Ng's insatiable greed and the relentless pursuit of his enemies proved to be his undoing. In 1974, the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, aided by Interpol, launched a massive operation to bring down Ng's drug empire. This time, even his political connections could not save him. He was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Ng Sek-Ho, the once-untouchable crime boss, spent the rest of his life behind bars. He died in prison in 2017 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of violence, corruption, and a complex mix of human emotion.
The story of "跛豪" is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of ambition and the destructive power of greed. It is a story that has been told and retold in countless movies and television shows, each version capturing a different aspect of Ng's multifaceted character. But one thing remains constant: Ng Sek-Ho will forever be remembered as one of the most notorious crime lords in Hong Kong history, a man whose life was a rollercoaster of violence, power, and tragedy.