Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 17) seized about 8.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $9.8 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday evening. During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside false compartments of his two suitcases. The man was then arrested.
The arrested man, aged 24, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 19).
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 the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, February 18, 2019
