Hong Kong Customs today (August 24) seized about 3.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
A 33-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Trinidad and Tobago via Korea yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartments of his checked-in suitcase. The man was then arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 25).
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
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, August 24, 2022
