Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (January 31) intercepted a foreign male passenger arriving from Santa Cruz, Bolivia at the Customs Arrival Hall of Hong Kong International Airport and seized about seven kilogrammes of cocaine. The drugs were concealed in the false compartments of his hand-carried suitcase and briefcase with an estimated market value of about $8.2 million.
The arrestee, aged 36-year-old, claimed to be an executive. He will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court today (February 1).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Friday, February 1 2013
