Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.2 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $2.13 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 31) and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The arrested person, arrived at Hong Kong from São Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found that his emptied rucksack was abnormally heavy. With X-ray check, false compartments were found in the rucksack. About 2.2 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine were found in the false compartments.
The arrested person, aged 50, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 2).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to keep track of the latest drugs trafficking trend and formulate pertinent anti-narcotics enforcement strategies. In addition, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen intelligence exchange with overseas law enforcement agencies so as to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Ends/Thursday, January 1, 2015
