Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (June 17) detected a drug trafficking case involving cannabis resin and smashed a drug storage centre. Cannabis resin with an estimated retail value of $1.55 million was seized and three people were arrested.
On June 14, Customs officers of the Airport Command inspected an air cargo shipment declared as box samples from India. About 7.5 kilogrammes of cannabis resin was found concealed inside the wooden rods of 58 embroidery paintings to evade customs detection.
During the follow-up investigation yesterday, officers of the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau arrested two men and one woman in a residential flat in Yau Ma Tei and seized another 11 kilogrammes of cannabis resin. The drug was concealed inside the wooden rods of 80 embroidery paintings in a similar way.
The offenders, aged 31, 34 and 38, who claimed to be construction workers and a housewife, were arrested for drug trafficking. They are being detained for investigation.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Tuesday, June 18 2013
