Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 30) seized about 3 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.1 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
A 30-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Buenos Aires, Argentina, via Amsterdam, the Netherlands, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed in three milk powder formula cans inside her check-in baggage. The woman was then arrested.
The arrested woman has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on January 2.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment strategy to select inbound, outbound and transit passengers for clearance to intercept different kinds of drug trafficking activities.
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 31, 2019
