Hong Kong Customs on March 11 seized about 20 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $9.4 million at Hong Kong International Airport. Two persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a consignment, declared as river sand and arriving from Switzerland, for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found two bags of suspected ketamine which were disguised with river sand packaging. The total weight was about 20kg.
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested a 28-year-old male consignee who claimed to be a car salesperson and a 29-year-old male companion who claimed to be unemployed, in Sai Wan Ho yesterday (March 18).
The two arrested men have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 20).
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/Tuesday, March 19, 2024
