Hong Kong Customs on August 9 and 15 and yesterday (September 7) seized about 12 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and about 570 grams of suspected heroin, with an estimated market value of about $6.9 million and about $680,000 respectively, in Hong Kong International Airport, Tuen Mun, Kwai Chung, Mong Kok and San Po Kong. Four men were arrested.
In the first case, through risk assessment and follow-up investigation, Customs on August 9 and 15 examined two air parcels, declared as carrying lanterns and figures respectively and to be exported to Australia, at the airport and Tuen Mun. A total of about 6kg of suspected methamphetamine was concealed inside the parcels.
Upon in-depth investigation, Customs officers yesterday seized three more parcels that were declared as carrying figures and would be exported to Australia in Kwai Chung and found 3kg of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside a figure in one of the parcels. Customs officers subsequently arrested one 26-year-old man and one 60-year-old man who were suspected to be connected with the case in Tuen Mun. Later, Customs officers escorted the two men to a residential premises in Mong Kok for a search and further seized 3kg of suspected methamphetamine there.
In the second case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in San Po Kong yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a man and found 340g of suspected heroin concealed inside a batch of plastic cards in an envelope carried by him. The 27-year-old man was then arrested. Customs officers later escorted the man to a residential premises nearby for a search and further seized 230g of suspected heroin and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia there. Another 27-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested at the residential premises.
Investigations of the two above-mentioned cases are ongoing.
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.
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/Thursday, September 8, 2022
