The second-in-command of Customs, and the number-three figure in the Immigration Department.
Although they were nowhere near as influential as the heads of the Three Secretaries and Thirteen Bureaus, and neither department had the Police Force's distinctive powers and significance.
Whatever the case, both men were genuine directorate-level heavyweights wielding real power within the Hong Kong Government.
Yet without any warning, the Police Force had forcibly taken them away.
Most importantly, those forceful measures, little different from arresting suspects, had been carried out on those two departments' own turf.
It was only because the officers involved had already been confirmed as members of the National Security Department.
Otherwise, the matter would not have been as simple as Lok Ming-wah coming over to ask about the situation.
The Secretary for Security would probably already have called Zhou Quan's office, demanding that he personally visit the Security Bureau to provide a reasonable explanation.
"Mr. Lok, please be patient!"
As he listened to Lok Ming-wah's tone, which was entirely one of complaining and airing grievances, the smile on Zhou Quan's lips grew even more genuine.
Commissioner Lok was clearly extending goodwill to him.
After all, Lok Ming-wah was now the Deputy Secretary for Security.
In nominal terms, even the Police Force Number One was his subordinate.
Even if Lok Ming-wah had come demanding answers with a forceful attitude, Zhou Quan could not have found anything wrong with it.
At that moment, Lok Ming-wah was undoubtedly drawing closer to Zhou Quan while tactfully asking him for a reasonable explanation.
"Here, have another cup of coffee!"
Returning the favor, Sir Kwan personally stood up and refilled Lok Ming-wah's coffee.
"We're old friends. How could I possibly put you in a difficult position?"
This was the shared reception room for the core management on Tai Kwun's