Ng, born in 1930, was of Teochew origin. Ng earned his nickname of "Crippled Ho" or "Limpy Ho" following a leg injury sustained in a street fight.[1][2] He moved to Hong Kong from Mainland China during the Great Chinese Famine in the 1960s.
Ng was arrested in 12 November 1974 on charges of smuggling 20 tonnes of opium and morphine from Thailand and other countries into Hong Kong. Nicknamed "Mr. Big" by the media, Ng was convicted in May 1975 to 30 years of imprisonment, the longest sentence ever imposed by a Hong Kong court at that time.[2][4][5][6] His wife was subsequently arrested and was convicted on 23 February to 16 years imprisonment and was fined 1 million yuan.
Ng became a key witness in the case against Ma Sik-chun, Ng's former associate[4] who was facing charges of heroin and opium trafficking.[1][7]
Ng became a Buddhist while in jail. In April 1991, his sentenced was reduced by the Governor of Hong Kong by four and a half years, and was scheduled to be released at the end of the year. In July, Ng was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and it was estimated that he would live no more than 6 weeks. His sentence was then further reduced.[6]
On 14 August 1991, after serving 16 years in jail, Ng was released on medical grounds. He was moved to a guarded hospital cell to a ward at the Queen Mary Hospital. He died a few weeks later on September 8, 1991, at age 61. His wife was eventually released from prison in 1992.[2][8]
Media portrayals
Ng Sik-ho's story has been adapted multiple times in Hong Kong cinema, and he served as a popular trope in Triad films.[9][10] Fictional portrayals inspired by or involved Ng includes:
^"跛豪集團販毒疑案今晨在高院審訊吳錫豪出庭時仍笑容滿臉" [The case of Limpy Ho's drug cartel heard at the High Court this morning; Ng Sik-ho still went to court with a smile]. The Kung Sheung Evening News (in Chinese). Hong Kong: Industrial and Commercial Daily Press. 1975-04-14. p. 1.
^ ab"僅獲釋三週一代梟雄跛豪逝世" [Only released for three weeks, drug lord Limpy Ho has passed away]. Wah Kiu Yat Po (in Chinese). Hong Kong: Wah Kiu Yat Po. 1991-09-09. p. 4.
^"跛豪獲釋暢談感受富貴由天生死有命" [Limpy Ho released and talked about his experiences; "Wealth is decided by the heavens; Life and death by fate"]. Wah Kiu Yat Po (in Chinese). Hong Kong: Wah Kiu Yat Po. 1991-08-15. p. 1.