Hong Kong Customs smashed a drug storage and distribution centre in Sha Tin last night (September 10) and seized 15 kilogrammes of cocaine and 374 grammes of "crack" cocaine valued at $14.3 million. A 27-year-old man was arrested.
Following a month-long investigation, officers of the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau identified a drug trafficking syndicate which used a hotel room to store and distribute drugs. About 11.30 last night, the officers mounted an operation at a hotel in Sha Tin and intercepted a man coming from a room. A small quantity of "crack" cocaine was found in his possession. A search of the room subsequently led to a further seizure of 15 kilogrammes of cocaine, 330 grammes of "crack" cocaine and a batch of packing paraphernalia inside a travelling case and a safe.
The arrested man will be charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at Fanling Magistrates Court tomorrow (September 12).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Friday, September 11, 2009
