The drugs were found hidden in places on board the ship to which all crew members had access, thus no arrests were made. These vessels were not subject to forfeiture under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (1935) because they exceeded 250 gross tons. On January 15, 1983 an amendment to that Ordinance came into force that imposes on the owner of a ship that exceeds 250 tons a maximum fine of Hong Kong dollars 5 million if the ship is found to have carried excessive quantities of illicit drugs on two occasions within a period of 18 months. If the financial penalty is not paid, the ship may be forfeited to the Crown. The excessive quantity is defined as 3,000 grams of opium or cannabis, or 500 grams of any other dangerous drug. (Author abstract modified)