Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and Hong Kong International Airport on March 2 and April 16 respectively and seized a total of about 46 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $29 million.
In the first case, Customs officers on March 2 inspected an incoming consignment, declared as carpet, arriving from Pakistan to Hong Kong via Shenzhen at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Upon examination, Customs officers found about 1kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $500,000 was concealed inside the interlayer of the carpet.
In the second case, through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigation, Customs officers on April 16 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying thermoforming machines, arriving from Mexico en route to Australia via Hong Kong at the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 45kg of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside false compartments inside the thermoforming machine. The estimated market value of the suspected methamphetamine is about $28.5 million.
Investigations on the two cases are 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.
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/Friday, April 21, 2023
