Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs trafficking cases from January 3 till yesterday (February 6). Suspected dangerous drugs worth about $12 million in total were seized. The seizures include about 40 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, 3kg of suspected cocaine, about 200 grams of suspected crack cocaine, about 200g of suspected ketamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. Two men and a woman, suspected to be connected with the cases, were arrested during the operations.
In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs on January 3 selected a seaborne consolidated consignment, declared as carrying pet foods and arriving from Thailand, for inspection at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon examination, about 40kg of suspected cannabis buds was found mixed with the pet food goods. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested a 55-year-old male consignee who claimed to be a driver in Yuen Long on January 22. An investigation is ongoing.
In the second case, Customs officers intercepted a 28-year-old woman during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Po Fung Road, Tsuen Wan, yesterday evening and found about 50g of suspected crack cocaine inside a paper bag carried by her. She was then arrested. Customs officers later escorted the woman to a village house nearby for a search, and further seized about 3kg of suspected cocaine, 150g of suspected crack cocaine, about 200g of suspected ketamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia therein. A 31-year-old man inside the premises, who was suspected to be connected with the case, was also arrested. The two arrested persons, who claimed to unemployed, have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The 28-year-old woman has been additionally charged with a count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 8).
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department 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/Wednesday, February 7, 2024
