Hong Kong Customs seized about 7.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $11 million at Hong Kong International Airport on September 16.
Customs officers inspected an air consignment arriving in Hong Kong from Europe declared as containing cookies on that day. The batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside seven cookie boxes. A 65-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested the next day. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (September 21) further arrested a 30-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Kwai Chung. He has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 23).
Customs will maintain close contact with logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through general cargo and express courier channels.
Customs reminds members of the public that trafficking in a dangerous drug through any channel, including general cargo and express courier, is a serious offence. Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, 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/Tuesday, September 22, 2020
