Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $5 million at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7.
Customs officers on that day inspected an air parcel that had arrived in Hong Kong from Belgium. The batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside 12 bottles of capsules.
Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers today (November 21) arrested a 19-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Fanling.
Investigation is ongoing.
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.
Customs also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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/Saturday, November 21, 2020
