Hong Kong Customs on October 26 detected a large-scale suspected solid methamphetamine trafficking case, and seized about 1.1 tonnes of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $640 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Three men and a woman suspected to be connected with the case were arrested. This is the largest-ever solid methamphetamine case detected by Customs.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a seaborne container, declared as carrying 611 sacks of seafood and arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico, for inspection. Upon examination, a batch of suspected methamphetamine, which was camouflaged as seashells and mix-loaded with genuine ones, was found inside 104 nylon bags. The batch of suspected methamphetamine weighed about 1.1 tonnes in total.
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 60-year-old male driver and a 54-year-old man-in-charge of a warehouse on the same day, and further arrested a 46-year-old woman-in-charge of a logistics company and a 27-year-old unemployed man the next day (October 27) and November 4 respectively.
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/Monday, November 6, 2023
