Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases on November 11 and 14, and seized about 8 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and about 14kg of suspected heroin in Kwai Chung and Tin Shui Wai respectively, with a total estimated market value of about $17 million. Four men were arrested.
In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs officers on November 11 examined a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying dry food and arriving in Hong Kong from Vietnam, at Kwai Chung Customhouse. Eight boxes of biscuit gift sets, each containing a tea leaf packaging bag with suspected methamphetamine concealed inside, were found inside a carton. The total weight of the suspected methamphetamine was about 8kg with an estimated market value over $4.7 million. A 62-year-old man, suspected to be connected with the case, was arrested.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers tracked and identified another consignment, also declared as carrying dry food, arriving in Hong Kong from Vietnam. The consignment was examined at a logistics centre in Tin Shui Wai on November 14. The officers found four cartons containing about 200 boxes of green bean biscuits, of which 39 boxes had suspected heroin concealed inside. The total weight of the suspected heroin was about 14kg with an estimated market value over $12 million. The second dangerous drugs case was detected successfully.
Customs officers then mounted controlled delivery operations simultaneously in Kwai Chung and Shum Shui Po yesterday (November 15) and arrested three men, aged between 32 and 35, suspected to be connected with the two above-mentioned cases.
Investigations of the two 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/Wednesday, November 16, 2022
