跛豪: The Rise and Fall of Hong Kong's Notorious Drug Lord

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Bling, Bullets, and Bloodshed: The Life and Times of "跛豪"
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In the annals of criminal history, the name "跛豪" (跛脚豪) reverberates as a symbol of both audacity and tragedy. From his humble beginnings as a petty thief to his reign as one of Hong Kong's most influential drug lords, Ng Sek-Ho's life was a rollercoaster of violence, wealth, and ultimately, betrayal.
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Early Years: A Path Paved with Poverty and Petty Crime
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Born into poverty in 1949, Ng's childhood was far from idyllic. The streets of Kowloon's notorious Walled City became his playground, where he swiftly learned the art of survival and hustling. His physical disability—a limp caused by polio—earned him the nickname "跛豪" (跛脚豪), meaning "Limping Ho."
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Ascension to Power: From Heroin Kingpin to Tycoon
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In the 1970s, Hong Kong's drug trade was booming. Ng saw an opportunity and seized it with both hands. He forged alliances with corrupt police officers and politicians, and soon established himself as a major player in the city's heroin trade.
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At the height of his power, Ng's empire spanned across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. He lived in lavish mansions, drove bulletproof cars, and indulged in a life of flamboyant excess. His wealth and influence even extended to the entertainment industry, where he became a respected producer and investor.
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Downfall and Demise: A Tragic End to a Notorious Reign
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Ng's reign of terror came to an abrupt end in 1974. After a massive police crackdown, he was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking. His empire crumbled, and his once-glamorous lifestyle vanished overnight.
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Legacy: A Complex Mixture of Infamy and Redemption
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Ng's story is a cautionary tale of greed, ambition, and the corrosive power of crime. Despite his notoriety, he remains a controversial figure in Hong Kong history. Some see him as a ruthless criminal who terrorized the city, while others view him as a victim of circumstance who ultimately sought redemption.
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In his later years, Ng renounced his criminal past and became an advocate for drug rehabilitation. He died in prison in 2019 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and horrify to this day.
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Additional Points to Consider
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- Ng's story has been immortalized in numerous books, films, and television series.
- The Walled City of Kowloon, where Ng's criminal empire thrived, was demolished in 1994.
- Ng's limp, which gave him his nickname, reportedly resulted from polio.
- Ng's charismatic personality and flamboyant lifestyle made him a popular figure among the Hong Kong public.
- The crackdown on Ng's drug empire marked a turning point in Hong Kong's fight against organized crime.