Hong Kong Customs seized about 11 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $9.6 million at Hong Kong International Airport on April 9.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying electronic engines, arriving in Hong Kong from Vietnam. The batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside two electronic engines.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (April 12) arrested two men, aged 20 and 50, suspected to be connected with the case in Kwai Chung.
The arrested 20-year-old man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 14). The 50-year-old man has been released after investigation.
Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, April 13, 2022
