​Hong Kong Customs seized about 230 kilograms of suspected liquid methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $150 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on September 14. This is the largest airborne liquid methamphetamine trafficking case detected by Customs in nearly two decades.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying 7 680 bottles of coconut oil, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico on that day. The batch of suspected liquid methamphetamine was found concealed inside 1 920 bottles.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 45-year-old man suspected to be connected to the case at HKIA on the same day.
Investigation is ongoing. The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
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/Wednesday, September 29, 2021
