Hong Kong Customs seized about 100 grams of suspected cannabis buds and about 1.06 litres of solutions containing suspected tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) with an estimated market value of about $100,000 in total at Hong Kong International Airport, Tseung Kwan O and Chai Wan on September 6, September 10 and yesterday (September 11) respectively.
Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel arriving in Hong Kong from Canada on September 6 at Hong Kong International Airport and found about 65 grams of suspected cannabis buds. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 35-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Tseung Kwan O. Customs officers further seized about 35 grams of suspected cannabis buds and one set of apparatus suspected to be used for drug inhalation at his residential premises.
Also, Customs officers inspected an air express parcel arriving in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom on September 10 at Hong Kong International Airport and found about 1 litre of solutions containing suspected THC. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 51-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Chai Wan and Hong Kong International Airport respectively. Customs officers further seized about 10 millilitres and 50 millilitres of solutions containing suspected THC at the woman’s residential premises in Chai Wan and in the man’s possession respectively.
Investigations for the two cases are ongoing. The three arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will maintain close contact with Hongkong 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.
Customs also reminds that cannabis and THC are classified as dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Importation of products (including food and drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of food and drinks.
Member 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/Thursday, September 12, 2019
