​Hong Kong Customs effected two dangerous drug trafficking cases between October 7 and yesterday (October 9), and seized about 24.5 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $12 million. Three persons connected with the cases were arrested.
In the first case, through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs on September 27 inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying household goods and personal effects and arriving in Hong Kong from Germany, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of about 15.5kg of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million inside three different boxes of goods, including toys, rice cookers and protein powder.
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation on October 7 and arrested a 31-year-old male consignee, who claimed to be a driver, in Sham Shui Po.
The investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
For the second case, through risk assessment, Customs officers on October 7 inspected an express air parcel, declared as carrying monosodium glutamate and arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands, at the airport. Upon examination, about 9kg of suspected ketamine, disguised by packaging of monosodium glutamate, was found in the parcel. The estimated market value of the drugs was about $4.4 million.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a male youth and a man, aged 16 and 20, who were suspected to be connected with the case in Chai Wan and Tsz Wan Shan respectively.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to enhance 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 returns. 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024
