Hong Kong Customs seized about two kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $1,940,000 at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (January 1) and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The arrested person arrived at Hong Kong from Benin via Nairobi, Kenya yesterday. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found the suitcase abnormally heavy. With X-ray check, a false compartment was found in the suitcase. About two kilogrammes of suspected cocaine were found in the false compartment.
The arrested person, aged 45, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 3).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
This is the second case of similar nature detected by Hong Kong Customs in the past two days. Hong Kong Customs will continue to keep track of the latest drug 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/Friday, January 2, 2015
