Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on July 30.
Customs officers on that day inspected an air parcel that had arrived in Hong Kong from Germany, declared as carrying a water filter, at HKIA and found the batch of suspected cocaine concealed inside three filter elements of the water filter.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers today (August 14) arrested a 19-year-old man in Tai Kok Tsui suspected to be connected with the case.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 15).
Customs will continue to maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industry 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/Friday, August 14, 2020
