Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 17) seized about 12 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine with an estimated market value of about $20 million at the Hong Kong International Airport. Three men were arrested.
Three male passengers arrived at Hong Kong from Istanbul, Turkey via Frankfurt, Germany when the case occurred. During customs clearance, seven wine bottles with suspected liquid cocaine inside were found from the check-in suitcases of two among the trio. The duo, aged 24 and 25 respectively, were arrested.
The remaining 30-year-old man was also arrested for being in connection with the case.
A subsequent search of the 25-year-old man's residence was made, resulting in the seizure of about 1.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine. A set of suspected drug inhalation apparatus was also found.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting high-risk passengers for clearance and inspection to combat transnational drug trafficking activities effectively.
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/Sunday, October 18, 2020
