Hong Kong Customs conducted a series of anti-narcotics operations in various districts across the territory from September 25 till yesterday (September 27) and detected two dangerous drugs trafficking cases. Suspected dangerous drugs worth about $50 million in total were seized. The seizures include about 153 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, about 24kg of suspected ketamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. Two men were arrested during the operations.
In the first case, Customs officers on September 25 inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying dry fruits and nuts and arriving in Hong Kong from Canada, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside 13 carton boxes. After a follow-up investigation and a controlled delivery operation, Customs officers yesterday in Jordan arrested a 42-year-old man who was suspected to be connected with the case. The arrested man was laid a holding charge with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 29).
In the second case, Customs officers intercepted a suspicious man in Tin Shui Wai last night and seized about 1kg of suspected ketamine inside plastic bags carried by him. The man, aged 21, was subsequently arrested. Further seizures were made at a nearby village house, including about 23kg of suspected ketamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. The arrested man was laid holding charges with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts tomorrow.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, September 28, 2023
