This image is the cover for the book Operation Clinker

Operation Clinker

‘Operation Clinker’ was the operational name given to this true account told from the perspective of the principal undercover agent, an inspector in Royal Hong Kong Police Narcotics Bureau, in what transpired to be a record attempt to export heroin from Hong Kong to Australia in 1988.
The author was recruited to form part of the crew for a voyage from Hong Kong to Australia. Covert surveillance observed the loading of a heavy bag aboard and the yacht set sail. Out of sight of any land-based observers, the undercover agents ‘mutinied’ and overpowered the targets to take control and search the yacht, seizing 43.5kg of pure heroin.
The arrested targets turned Queen’s evidence in exchange for a potential reduction in sentence upon conviction. Flown to Sydney with a consignment of ‘fake’ heroin, they delivered to the distribution syndicate. Australian Federal Police surveillance were able to monitor the handover and identify personalities involved.
International joint police raids took place in Hong Kong and Sydney, leading to the arrest of the entire syndicate from triad supply to shipping crew and distribution.

Rod Mason

Born in Hong Kong, the author attended a Scottish boarding school and then Glasgow Nautical College, where he secured qualification as a navigator. He became an inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1983 and soon moved to the Narcotics Bureau, conducting several undercover operations and securing four commendations before promotion to chief inspector. In 1997, he took over Kowloon West ‘999’ emergency response as superintendent, then became a marine divisional commander followed by anti-smuggling task force commanding high-speed offshore interceptors. Retired in 2016 after 32 years of distinguished service, he is divorced with four kids, including triplets, and lives in Central Scotland.

Austin Macauley Publishers