​Hong Kong Customs seized about 180 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and about 14kg of suspected heroin with a total estimated market value of about $140 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), at Lok Ma Chau Control Point (LMCCP) and in Tsuen Wan on October 5 and yesterday (October 7).
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on October 5 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying solar lamps, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico. Five solar panels were found inside a large wooden box and a total of 180kg of suspected methamphetamine packed in 45 packages were found concealed inside those panels. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested two men, aged 25 and 39, at HKIA on the same day. A 42-year-old man was further arrested in Mong Kok afterwards.
Investigation of the above-mentioned case is ongoing. The three arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Also, Hong Kong Customs yesterday seized a total of about 14kg of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $20 million at LMCCP and in Tsuen Wan. Customs officers first inspected 15 air express parcels that had arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia at LMCCP. About 700 grams of suspected heroin were found concealed inside the bottom layer of each carton box. Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers further seized five parcels with the same modus operandi in Tsuen Wan. Each parcel concealed about 700g of suspected heroin inside. It is believed that these five parcels are in connection with those found at LMCCP. Investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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, October 8, 2021
