Hong Kong Customs detected a transnational ketamine trafficking case at Kwai Chung Container Terminals on May 30 and seized about 412 kilograms of ketamine, with an estimated value of about $47 million, in a Malaysia-bound transshipment container arriving from Huangpu, Guangzhou.
The Head of the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau, Mr John Lee, said today (June 1), "To combat transnational drug trafficking activities, Hong Kong Customs carried out an anti-narcotics operation at Kwai Chung Container Terminals between May 28 and 30. The operation aimed at strengthening the inspection of suspicious import and transshipment consignments carried by river trade vessels. A total of 70 containers were checked by Customs in the operation."
Mr Lee said, "On May 30, Customs officers inspected a container declared to contain 'ABS Resin' from a river trade vessel arriving from Huangpu. The consignment was transshipment goods destined for Malaysia." During the inspection, Customs officers found the ketamine packed in 23 bags from a total of 516 bags of goods inside the container.
The investigation is continuing.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the Mainland and overseas drug enforcement agencies to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Friday, June 1 2012
