Hong Kong Customs seized about 16.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $14 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse on September 9.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day inspected two seaborne containers, declared as carrying cotton linters, arriving in Hong Kong from Brazil. The batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside two bales of cotton linters among a total of 230 bales.
Customs officers on the same day arrested three men, aged between 37 and 62, suspected to be in connection with the case, in Kwai Chung and Mai Po. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
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 15, 2022
