Hong Kong Customs on January 19 detected a large-scale seaborne drug-trafficking case, and seized about 57.5 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine with an estimated market value of about $57 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Six men suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs selected a 40-foot seaborne container, declared as carrying 617 cartons of chicken pate and 500 cartons of milk cream mix and arriving from Brazil, for inspection on that day. Upon examination, Customs officers seized about 57.5kg of suspected liquid cocaine among 60 cartons of chicken pate.
Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers on February 23 arrested a 36-year-old male construction worker in Kam Tin. He has been released after the investigation.
Subsequently, Customs on February 26 apprehended a total of three male truck drivers, aged between 46 and 60, in Kwai Chung and Ngau Tau Kok. On February 27 and 29, Customs further arrested a 48-year-old male truck driver and a 36-year-old unemployed man in Tuen Mun and Yau Ma Tei respectively. After investigation, the four male truck drivers have been released on bail pending further investigation, whereas the unemployed man is still being detained for further investigation.
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
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/Friday, March 1, 2024
