Hong Kong Customs seized in total about 4.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $4.8 million at Hong Kong International Airport on November 30.
A 77-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Madrid, Spain in the morning on November 30. During Customs clearance, 2.1 kilograms of suspected cocaine in two packets were found concealed inside the false compartment of his suitcase. The man was then arrested.
In the afternoon of the same day, a 58-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, 2.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine in three packets were found concealed inside the false compartment of his suitcase. The man was then arrested.
The two arrested men were each charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 3).
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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Sunday, December 2, 2018
