Hong Kong Customs uncovered an express cargo drug trafficking case in which 6.3 kilogrammes of herbal cannabis with a retail value of about $500,000 were seized on September 3.
Customs officers from the Airport Command at the Express Cargo Terminal inspected an express parcel declared as "Metal Sample", arriving from South Africa and destined for Guangzhou. After finding the parcel suspicious after X-ray scanning, Customs officers conducted a detailed examination of the parcel and uncovered about 6.3 kilogrammes of herbal cannabis wrapped in aluminum foil.
Hong Kong Customs has strengthened enforcement action at all control points in support of the Government's strategy to combat drugs. Customs officers are on high alert at all times to foil attempts by drug traffickers to take advantage of the heavy flow of passengers and cargo at the control points. Customs will continue to make use of advanced technology, intelligence analysis, risk assessment and international co-operation to crack down on drug trafficking activities.
Since last month (August), Customs has uncovered three drug trafficking cases by means of transshipment express cargo destined for the Mainland, with a total seizure of 8.2 kilograms of herbal cannabis and 620 grammes of heroin at an estimated value of $1.6 million.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Tuesday, September 8, 2009
