The Customs and Excise Department yesterday (November 11) uncovered two drug trafficking cases at the air cargo terminal and the express cargo terminal respectively, seizing 390 grams of heroin and 408 grams of opium, with a total estimated value of $310,000.
Customs officers from the Airport Command yesterday afternoon examined a transshipment consignment at the air cargo terminal with x-ray scanning and observed some unusual objects inside three wooden photo frames, in a cargo declared as "books and photo frames".
Upon detailed examination, a total of 390 grams of heroin, worth about $200,000, was found concealed inside the photo frames. A follow-up investigation revealed that the cargo came from India and was destined for Mainland China.
Nearly at the same time, other Customs officers examined another transshipment cargo at the express cargo terminal, and uncovered 408 grams of opium, worth about $110,000, concealed inside the vacuum space of some metal pots which were declared as "tea pots". Investigation revealed that the cargo came from Laos destined for the United States.
The Customs has strengthened enforcement action at all control points in support of the Government's strategy to combat drugs. Customs officers will be on high alert at all times to foil drug trafficking attempts taking advantage of the heavy flow of passengers and cargo at control points. The department will continue to make use of advanced technology, intelligence analysis, risk assessment and international co-operation to crack down on drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Friday, November 12, 2010
