Hong Kong Customs detected a large-scale cocaine trafficking case on November 4 and seized about 240 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $210 million in Yuen Long.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a consolidated container, declared as carrying quinoa flour and health supplements, transported by sea from Peru to Hong Kong, at a devanning area in Yuen Long. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that one of the consignments contained about 1 300 bags of quinoa flour, 240 bags of which had suspected cocaine concealed inside. Each bag weighed about 1kg.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on November 7 arrested three local men, aged between 24 and 70, suspected to be connected with the case at a warehouse in Tai Po. The 70-year-old man has been released on bail pending further investigation while the other two arrested men are still being detained.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis.
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/Tuesday, November 8, 2022
