Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.9 million at Hong Kong International Airport on October 26.
A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on that day. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. The man was then arrested.
The arrested man, aged 67, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 29).
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/Wednesday, October 28, 2020
