Hong Kong Customs on January 5 seized about 9.5 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $4.6 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air parcel, declared as carrying construction materials, at the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine concealed inside three construction materials' packaging bags.
After follow-up investigations, Customs officers today (January 13) conducted a controlled delivery operation in Tuen Mun and arrested a 25-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on Monday (January 15).
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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Saturday, January 13, 2024
