Hong Kong Customs smashed a suspected cannabis growing den in Yuen Long during an anti-narcotics operation on July 18. About 250 kilograms of suspected cannabis plants with an estimated market value of about $36 million were seized. One man was arrested.
Customs officers raided a residential premises in Yuen Long on the day of the operation. Three hundred and eighty-three suspected cannabis plants and suspected cannabis growing equipment, including solar lamps, ventilation facilities, thermometers and hygrometers, were seized from the premises.
A 34-year-old man suspected to be connected to the case was arrested.
Investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, both cultivation of cannabis and trafficking in a dangerous drug are serious offences. The maximum penalty for cultivation of cannabis is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years, and that for trafficking in a dangerous drug 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/Tuesday, July 20, 2021
