​Hong Kong Customs on May 8 and 9 seized about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.9 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs on the above-mentioned two days inspected eight air parcels, declared as carrying snacks, arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand at the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that each parcel also had suspected cannabis buds concealed inside. The dangerous drugs were packed in zip lock bags, which were put inside the packaging of breakfast cereals or snacks.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (May 10) conducted a controlled delivery operation in Kwun Tong and arrested a 64-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case.
An investigation is 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, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of those products.
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/Thursday, May 11, 2023
