Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 1 600 grams of suspected cocaine at the Air Mail Centre, Hong Kong International Airport, on July 17, 22 and 23, with a market value of about $1.67 million.
On July 17, 22 and 23, Customs officers inspected three air mail parcels arriving from Brazil which were declared as containing handicraft products, books and a Bluetooth device respectively, at the Air Mail Centre, Hong Kong International Airport. Upon examination, about 800g, 600g and 190g of suspected cocaine were found concealed inside eight pieces of handicraft products, the back covers of six books and a speaker respectively.
Subsequently, Customs officers arrested a man on July 25 after he collected the two parcels declared as containing books and a Bluetooth device in a commercial premises at Cheung Sha Wan. On July 26, Customs officers arrested another woman after she collected the parcel declared as containing handicraft products in a residential premises in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The arrested man and woman, respectively aged 26 and 31, who claimed to be an account manager and a domestic helper, were arrested for suspected trafficking in a dangerous drug. Both arrestees were put on bail pending further investigation.
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/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
