Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (January 15) and seized about 2.3 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $2.2 million.
The arrestee, who claimed to be a salesperson, arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found two abnormally heavy empty rucksacks amongst her personal belongings. With X-ray check, false compartments were found in the two rucksacks. About 2.3 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine were found in the false compartments.
The arrestee, aged 25, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 16).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and 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. Hong Kong Customs will also strengthen intelligence exchange with overseas law enforcement agencies so as to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2015
