Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.5 tonnes of suspected khat leaves from 397 inbound air parcels at the Air Mail Centre of the Hong Kong International Airport between September 24 and October 2. The estimated market value of the seizure is about $400,000.
The seized suspected khat leaves originated from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As the air parcels did not carry declarations of the contents, they aroused Customs' suspicion. Suspicious images were observed with X-ray inspection. Subsequent examination led to the discovery of the suspected khat leaves. Investigation is in progress.
Khat leaves contain traces of cathinone and cathine, which are both controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Khat is mostly abused in African and Arabian countries but not common in Hong Kong.
Customs will guard against the importation of dangerous drugs into Hong Kong by strengthening Customs control at various control points and enhancing intelligence exchange and joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
