Hong Kong Customs on July 11 and 13 seized a total of about 119 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of over $84 million in Hong Kong International Airport and Kwai Chung. Three men suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on July 11 inspected a batch of air consignment, declared as carrying compressors, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada at an air cargo terminal in the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found a total of about 82kg of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated market value of about $58 million, inside two compressors.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers on July 13 searched a warehouse in Kwai Chung and inspected a batch of consignment also declared as carrying compressors. Upon examination, Customs officers seized about 37kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $26 million inside one compressor.
Three men, aged between 33 and 56, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested in Kwai Chung and at the airport on July 13 and 14.
An investigation is ongoing. The three arrested men have been released on bail pending further 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 into 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Sunday, July 16, 2023
