​Hong Kong Customs on August 24 detected a large-scale seaborne cocaine trafficking case, and seized about 302 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $230 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. A man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a seaborne container, declared as carrying 1 800 carton boxes of frozen chicken feet and arriving in Hong Kong from Brazil, for inspection. Upon examination, a total of about 302kg of suspected cocaine was found inside 63 carton boxes of frozen chicken feet. The batch of dangerous drugs was packed in plastic bags which were mix-loaded with the frozen chicken feet.
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on August 29 arrested a 35-year-old man-in-charge of the consignee company.
A holding charge with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug will be laid against the arrested man and he will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 1).
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 in 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, August 31, 2023
