Hong Kong Customs today (March 23) smashed a suspected cannabis growing den in Sai Kung. A batch of suspected cannabis plants, about 200 grams of suspected cannabis buds and a small amount of chocolates suspected to contain controlled cannabinoids, with an estimated market value of about $1 million, were seized. One woman was arrested.
Customs officers yesterday (March 22) inspected an air parcel at Hong Kong International Airport that had arrived in Hong Kong from Canada and found about 70g of suspected cannabis buds. After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers this afternoon raided a residential premises in Sai Kung where 13 suspected cannabis plants and some suspected cannabis growing equipment were found, including solar lamps, ventilation facilities and electronic thermo-hygrometers. About 200g of suspected cannabis buds and a small amount of chocolates suspected to contain controlled cannabinoids were also seized.
A 54-year-old woman suspected to be connected to the case was arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, both cultivation of cannabis and trafficking in a dangerous drug are serious offences. The maximum penalty for cultivation of cannabis is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years, and that for trafficking in a dangerous drug 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).
Ends/Tuesday, March 23, 2021
