​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 20) detected a passenger drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about three kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million. An incoming man was arrested.
A 32-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Riga, Latvia via Frankfurt, Germany yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine with a total weight of about 3kg, was found concealed inside the false compartments of his checked-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also been increasing steadily. Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
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/Sunday, May 21, 2023
