Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.8 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine and about 8 grams of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.6 million at Hong Kong International Airport and in Tseung Kwan O on June 20 and yesterday (June 28). A man and a woman were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on June 20 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying biscuits, arriving in Hong Kong from Germany. The batch of suspected liquid cocaine was found concealed inside two plastic bottles.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 58-year-old man, suspected to be connected with the case, in Tsuen Wan, and arrested a 24-year-old woman suspected to be connected with the case in Tseung Kwan O. About 8g of suspected cocaine was found during a search on the woman. Customs officers then conducted a search at the woman's residence in Wong Tai Sin and further seized dozens of zip lock bags containing traces of suspected cocaine.
The arrested 58-year-old man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, while the 24-year-old woman has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of dangerous drugs. The two of them will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 30).
Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2022
