Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport on December 27 and yesterday (December 29).
A 41-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa on December 27. The man was found to be suspicious upon Customs clearance and was escorted to hospital for examination. The man later discharged about 1.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine. He was then arrested by Customs officers.
He was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 31).
Also, a 28-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday. During Customs clearance, the man discharged a pellet of suspected cocaine. He was then arrested. The man further discharged about 800 grams of suspected cocaine later. Investigation 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/Sunday, December 30, 2018
