Hong Kong Customs seized about 110 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $77 million at Hong Kong International Airport on December 5. This is the largest methamphetamine trafficking case detected by Customs since 2010, as well as a record seizure of suspected methamphetamine seized by Customs at boundary control points.
Acting on an intelligence exchange with overseas counterparts, Customs officers inspected an air consignment arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico via the United States on December 5. From three cartons of goods declared as plastic resin, the batch of suspected methamphetamine was found concealed inside 120 plastic boxes wrapped by plastic wrap and vacuum bags, and placed under a batch of plastic resin as a cover.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs attaches great importance to combating drug trafficking activities. Between January and November this year, Customs seized about 100kg of suspected methamphetamine, representing a 19 per cent drop compared with the same period in 2018. This reflects the department's effectiveness in combating drug trafficking.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, there is a possibility that crime syndicates may increase drug trafficking in order to meet the keen demand during long holidays. Customs will further step up enforcement action to combat drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.
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/Tuesday, December 17, 2019
