Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (May 6) and seized about 1.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth about $1.58 million.
The male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Singapore yesterday. After emptying his checked-in suitcase for baggage examination, Customs officers found that the suitcase was still abnormally heavy. Following in-depth inspection, about 1.6kg of suspected cocaine was found concealed in a false compartment of the suitcase. It was believed that drug traffickers had tried to use this concealment method to evade Customs detection. Upon subsequent investigation, Customs officers arrested another man suspected to be involved in the case at Mong Kok on the same day.
The two male arrestees, aged 31 and 34 and claiming to be a salesman and unemployed, will be jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 8).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2015
