Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 7) and arrested an incoming male passenger. About 3.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine was seized, with a market value of about $4.4 million.
The arrested man arrived at Hong Kong from Bogota, Colombia via Panama, Brazil, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the Philippines last night. During Customs clearance, Customs officers spotted suspicious X-ray images inside his suitcase. Upon thorough examination, a total of 3 slabs of suspected cocaine weighed about 3.9kg were found concealed inside the false compartments of the suitcase.
The arrested man, aged 20 and claimed to be a merchant, was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on October 10.
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/Saturday, October 8, 2016
