Hong Kong Customs seized about 5 kilograms of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine and a batch of drug-inhaling apparatus with a total estimated market value of about $840,000 at Hong Kong International Airport and in To Kwa Wan on March 9 and yesterday (March 21).
Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel from Germany on March 9 and found the batch of suspected MDMA concealed in 16 food packing boxes in the parcel. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (March 21) arrested a 30-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in To Kwa Wan. Customs officers further seized a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine and a batch of drug-inhaling apparatus at his residential unit.
Customs officers then arrested a 24-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in the residential unit. The 42-year-old man has been released after investigation while the 24-year-old woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.
The 30-year-old arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. He will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 23).
Customs will maintain close contact with Hong Kong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel or express courier channels.
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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, March 22, 2019
