Hong Kong Customs on June 25 seized a total of about 15 kilograms of suspected dangerous drugs with an estimated market value of about $9 million in Tsuen Wan.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected three air parcels, declared as carrying pet food, snacks and seasonings and arriving in Hong Kong from the United States, at a warehouse of a local consolidator company in Tsuen Wan. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that three parcels had suspected dangerous drugs concealed inside, including about 9 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and about 6 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday (June 26) in Tsuen Wan and arrested two male consignees, aged 17 and 18. The two arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 28).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also 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.
Customs reminds young people to pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they may not be caught.
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/Thursday, June 27, 2024
