A Personal Warning
Stay Clear of Crime and Traffickers
My name is KTB, and I want to share my story with you, not just to tell you what happened to me, but to serve as a warning to help you avoid the same fate. I made a series of bad choices, believing in quick money and trusting the wrong people, and now I am paying a heavy price. I hope my experience can help you think twice before walking down a similar path.
The Beginning: A Chance Encounter that Changed Everything
It all started around Christmas time in 2022. I was in Lan Kwai Fong, enjoying a night out when I met a guy we’ll call “X.” Our first interaction was simple as I asked for a cigarette, and that small gesture led to a conversation. We talked about tattoos, clothes, and shared common interests. X was easy to talk to, and he gave me the feeling of an older brother figure, someone who understood life and seemed to have experience. We exchanged phone numbers, and after that night, we occasionally kept in touch.
At first, our conversations were casual. X told me he worked in high-end liquor sales selling spirits and whisky, dealing with wealthy clients, fancy dinners, and luxury lifestyles. He made it sound so glamorous, and I thought that maybe if I stuck with him, I could learn something new or even find a job that would make me proud. I was curious, eager to try something different, and naïve enough to believe I could learn from him.
The Turning Point: The Dark Side of Quick Money
Over the next few weeks, X and I continued to meet from time to time. During these meetings, he asked me if I wanted to make some “good money.” Naturally, I was intrigued. When I asked how, he explained that I could pick up packages containing cannabis from different locations, store them at my home, and get paid HKD8,000. The idea of earning fast cash excited me. I didn’t realize at the time how dangerous this was.
He shared details about himself, once mentioning that he had been to prison for trafficking drugs. He described his past as if it were some kind of story from a show or movie, nothing more than a chapter in his life. That only made me more fascinated and naïve, thinking, “If he did it and got through, then maybe I can too.” I believed he had my best interests at heart, or at least that he was trying to help me.
When my family left for our home country shortly after, I was left alone. X told me to pick up packages from various locations, and I started doing so. He paid me in cash, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush from the large sums of money I was handling. I bought food, treats, and even shared with friends.
The cash felt good, and I started to get greedy. That’s when I started to think I could make even more.
X offered me more money if I delivered the packages myself. Foolishly, I agreed. I got a new phone from him to coordinate these deliveries, calling him whenever I received packages from FedEx or UPS, then returning home to drop them off before going back out to repeat the process. For about a week, I was caught up in this illegal activity, unaware of how close I was to danger.
The Arrest: A Wake-Up Call
One day, I left my building to deliver a package, and I was stopped by police, right there, waiting for me under my building. I was shocked, scared, and confused. Suddenly, everything changed. The police searched my apartment and found boxes of cannabis, along with other related items. I was overwhelmed with fear not only for myself but also for my family, who had no idea what I was involved in. I was detained for three days before being taken to the police station.
I was terrified about what would happen to me. I believed, like many others might, that Hong Kong was lenient on drug offenses. I thought I might get a warning or a light sentence, but I was wrong. The police found the fake packages, the cannabis, and evidence of my involvement. I was scared not just for myself but for my family—how would they react? Would they be in danger? Would they ever forgive me?
I have now spent almost two years in prison, waiting for my court date. Every day, I was filled with regret, fear, and uncertainty. I realized too late the terrible mistake I had made. My life was now on hold and my youth, my future, my freedom all taken away because I believed in quick money and trusted someone who led me into danger.
The Harsh Reality of Prison Life
Life inside prison is a nightmare. It feels like time has stopped, and every day is the same: boredom, sadness, frustration. You see others who have made worse mistakes, and some who are broken beyond repair. You miss your family and birthdays, celebrations, simple moments you once took for granted are all gone. You only get a few short visits if you’re lucky, and even then, you can only see your loved ones for a few minutes.
Most of the time, you’re surrounded by people who have lost everything—their freedom, their future, their happiness. Some hide their pain behind a fake smile, but at night, alone in their cell, many cry into their pillows, overwhelmed by regret and despair. Prison isn’t a joke as it’s a place that strips away your dignity and leaves scars that last a lifetime.
The worst part is knowing your family suffers because of you. They sit at dinner tables with empty chairs, wondering what you might be eating, how you are, hoping you’re safe. They worry about your health, your future, and whether they’ve done enough to support you. Some parents grow old without their children, and children grow up without their fathers or mothers. That pain is something no one should have to endure.
My Final Warning: The Cost of Greed and Bad Choices
If I could go back and change one thing, I would tell myself to walk away from that money, from those offers, and from anyone trying to pull me into criminal activities. Because what I learned the hard way is this: a little greed can destroy your entire life. Fast money, quick schemes, and trusting the wrong people will only lead you to regret. The money seems tempting at first, but it always comes with a price, long prison sentences, ruined reputations, and the heartbreak of losing everything you care about.
When someone offers you money for something illegal, remember: they’re not your friends. They’re using you. They’re only looking out for themselves. If you accept, you risk losing your freedom and your future. You might think, “It won’t happen to me,” but trust me I thought the same and the consequences are real, and they can come suddenly.
Understand this:
- Life is precious. Your youth, your dreams, and your future are worth more than a quick buck.
- Crime doesn’t pay in the long run. It only leaves scars.
- If someone tries to pressure you into illegal activities, walk away. You are better than that.
- Hard work, honesty, and determination will always be the right path.
To all the fellows:
Please learn from my mistake. Don’t let greed or peer pressure push you into crime. Think about your family, your future, and your life. The choices you make today will shape your tomorrow. Stay away from traffickers, scammers, and anyone promising easy money. Your freedom and happiness depend on your decisions now. I hope my story serves as a warning because I wish I had listened to someone telling me this before I ended up here. It’s a hard lesson, but I want you to avoid it at all costs. Stay smart, stay safe, and choose the right path. Your life is worth more than any quick money – protect it.
Sincerely,
KTB
“Seeing your loved ones visit you in prison is a pain no riches can heal”