Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.6 kilograms of suspected heroin and about 11 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with a total estimated market value of about $14 million on June 29 and August 6 respectively.
Customs officers inspected an air parcel that had arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia, declared as carrying protein isolate, at HKIA on June 29 and found the batch of suspected heroin concealed inside ten plastic bottles. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (August 7) arrested a 26-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Kwai Chung.
Also, Customs officers inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as traditional pastry, arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia at HKIA on August 6 and found the batch of suspected cocaine mingled with some pastry inside the packaging boxes. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 34-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Sha Tin.
The two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts and Sha Tin Magistrates' Courts respectively next Monday (August 10).
Customs will maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcels and express courier channels.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Saturday, August 8, 2020
