Hong Kong Customs detected a transnational cocaine trafficking case at Kwai Chung Container Terminal in late December 2010 and seized about 290 kilogrammes of high-grade cocaine, with an estimated value at about $260 million, in a container arriving from South America and destined for the Mainland.
To combat transnational cocaine trafficking activities, Hong Kong Customs, through risk assessment, stepped up inspections against suspicious consignments from South America for examination at Kwai Chung Container Terminal.
On December 29, 2010, Customs officers intercepted two containers declared to contain "wood working products" from a container vessel arriving from Chile, South America, for examination. Following inspection using the X-ray system and drug detector dogs, officers found a batch of cocaine in one of the containers concealed inside 88 pieces of hollowed-out wood planks.
Investigation is continuing. No arrest has been made so far.
The Head of Customs Drug Investigation Bureau, Mr John Lee, said today (January 19) at a press briefing, "Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the Mainland and overseas drug enforcement agencies to combat transnational drug trafficking activities."
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Wednesday, January 19, 2011
