Hong Kong Customs on April 18 seized about 50 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $23 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying monosodium glutamate, arriving in Hong Kong from Poland. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that two large nylon bags out of 20 were concealed with suspected ketamine. The total weight of the drug was about 50kg.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on April 24 mounted a controlled delivery operation in Yuen Long and Tai Kok Tsui and arrested three persons suspected to be connected with the case, including a 33-year-old man, a 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman.
An investigation is ongoing and the two arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation. The arrested woman has been released after investigation.
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 in 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, April 26, 2023
