Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.16 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.28 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 4) and today (December 5).
A 43-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday afternoon. During Customs clearance, 2.16 kilograms of suspected cocaine in one packet was found concealed inside the false compartment of her rucksack. The woman was then arrested.
A 47-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa this morning. During Customs clearance, the man discharged a batch of suspected cocaine. He was then arrested. Customs officers later escorted the man to hospital and he later discharged another batch of suspected cocaine.
The 43-year-old arrested woman was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 6).
Investigation of the other case is ongoing.
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/Wednesday, December 5, 2018
