​Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun on June 16 and yesterday (June 20) respectively and seized about 32 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 3.5kg of suspected cannabis buds. The total estimated market value was about $14.7 million.
In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs officers on June 16 inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying wooden furniture and arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands, at a logistics warehouse in Yuen Long. About 32kg of suspected ketamine were seized from the false compartments of three wooden tables. The estimated market value of the drugs was about $14 million.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation in Yuen Long on June 19 and arrested three men, aged 30, 40 and 52, suspected to be connected with the case. The 30-year-old man and the 52-year-old man were each laid with a holding charge with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug while the 40-year-old man has been released on bailing pending further investigation.
In the second case, Customs officers intercepted a man while conducting an anti-narcotics operation in Tuen Mun yesterday afternoon. About 3.5kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $700,000, were seized from his rucksack and a recycling bag carried by him. The 23-year-old man, who claimed to be a bartender, was subsequently arrested.
Investigations of the two above-mentioned cases are 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, 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, June 21, 2023
