Max Mok Siu Chung Arrested in Beijing Drug Bust

CRI, April 19, 2011

Hong Kong singer-actor Max Mok Siu Chung has been arrested by Beijing police on charges of drug abuse on Friday, reported Chinese media.

50-year–old Mok was caught red-handed along with two others during a police raid on Beijing's Chaoyang district, one of the capital's most prestigious residential areas, after an informant tipped off the authorities about drug related activities going on in the area.

Police said Sunday that Mok faces a relatively light penalty if convicted because it is his first offence - he might be let off with ten days detention and a 5000 Yuan (US$954) fine.

Mok's ex-girlfriend, actress Catherine Hung, with whom he had a son, refused to believe Mok is guilty.

"I don't think it is true. I won't tell our son about it," said Hung.

Mok's old friend, veteran actor Eric Tseng said he "did not know the details" and "could not comment".

Mok is best known for playing Wong Fei Hung's mischievous disciple Leung Foon in Hong Kong director Tsui Hark's 1992 martial arts film "Once Upon A Time in China 2" and its two sequels.

The actor is scheduled to shoot a new film tentatively titled "The Shining Years" in August.

Unfortunately, Mok's recent drug arrest had since caused the film's production unit to reconsider casting him.

Mok's case is still under investigation.