Hong Kong Customs on September 12 seized about 2 kilograms of suspected crack cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.1 million in Kwai Chung.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air parcel, declared as nutrition supplements and arriving in Hong Kong from the United States, at a warehouse of a local consolidator company in Kwai Chung. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected crack cocaine concealed inside the parcel.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation today (September 17) in Tsuen Wan and arrested a 17-year-old male consignee.
An investigation is ongoing.
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. A 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/Tuesday, September 17, 2024
