Hong Kong Customs seized about 520 grams of suspected ketamine and about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport on November 22 and 23 respectively with a total estimated market value of about $1.6 million.
Customs officers inspected two air express parcels arriving in Hong Kong on the above-mentioned dates. The batch of suspected ketamine in four packages was found concealed inside two pairs of sports shoes in a parcel from Germany. Then, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside a metal container filled with white liquid in a parcel from the Netherlands.
Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (November 26) arrested two men, aged 39 and 33, suspected to be connected with the cases in Central and Kwun Tong respectively.
Investigations of both cases are ongoing and the arrested men 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 parcels and 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.
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, November 27, 2019
