Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming female passenger at the Hong Kong International Airport today (January 14) and seized about 3.8 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $3.7 million.
The arrestee, who claimed to be a merchant, arrived from India via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found seven abnormally heavy books amongst her personal belongings. Subsequent in-depth inspection revealed about 3.8 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine were concealed inside the front and back hard covers of the seven books. It was believed that the concealment method was used to avoid Customs' detection.
The arrestee, aged 57, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 15).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2015
