Hong Kong Customs seized about 23.5 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $29 million at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on May 27.
Customs officers on that day inspected a seaborne consignment arrived at Hong Kong from Thailand. Upon examination of the electrical appliance-declared consignment, the suspected heroin was found concealing inside the false compartments of 13 water filters and nine coffee machines.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested two men, aged 27 and 47, suspected in connection with the case in Yau Ma Tei and Tsuen Wan respectively the next day (May 28).
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.
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.
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/Sunday, May 30, 2021
