Hong Kong Customs seized about 348 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $60 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on December 9.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound inspected a seaborne consignment, declared to be carrying ceiling tiles, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada. Upon inspection, Customs officers found 40 boxes of ceiling tiles inside the consignment. The suspected cannabis buds were concealed inside the ceiling tiles. The total weight was about 348 kg.
After a follow-up investigation and controlled delivery operation, Customs officers yesterday (December 23) arrested two men, aged 32 and 34, suspected to be connected with the case, in San Po Kong.
An investigation is ongoing.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Customs expects the local demand for drugs will be increased. The department will therefore further step up enforcement action to fiercely combat different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.
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.
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).
