Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.1 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (June 11), and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The arrested man arrived at Hong Kong from Madagascar via Nairobi, Kenya and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found his shoes and a wallet inside a hand-carry briefcase were abnormally heavy. Upon further checking, false compartments were found in the wallet and soles of the shoes. The batch of suspected cocaine was found inside the false compartments.
The arrested person, aged 31 and claimed to be a student, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 13).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Sunday, June 12, 2016
