Customs officers foiled a transnational drug trafficking attempt, arrested a woman and seized about 1.8 kilogrammes of heroin with an estimated market value of $1.5 million at the airport yesterday (October 12).
Yesterday afternoon, Customs officers of the Airport Command intercepted for inspection a woman arriving from Hyderabad, India, via Singapore at the Hong Kong International Airport. The X-ray screening revealed abnomalies in five brand new ladies' handbags in her suitcase. After further examination, 10 slabs of heroin were found inside the false compartments of the handbags.
The woman, aged 46, claimed to be a merchant. She will be charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 14).
Customs has strengthened enforcement actions at all control points in support of the Government's strategy to combat drug trafficking. Customs officers are on high alert at all times to foil attempts by drug traffickers to take advantage of the heavy flow of passengers and cargo at the control points. Customs will continue to make use of advanced technology, intelligence analysis, risk assessment and international co-operation to crack down on drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Thursday, October 13, 2009
