Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.4 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $1.7 million at Hong Kong International Airport on January 25. Two women were subsequently arrested yesterday (January 28) in Tai Wai and Sha Tin.
Customs officers inspected two air parcels, both declared as clothes, arrived from Thailand on January 25 and the suspected heroin was found in four pieces of cloth.
Follow-up investigation led to the arrest of two women, aged 16 and 17 respectively.
The 16-year-old female has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 30), while the 17-year-old has been released on bail pending investigation.
Customs appeals to parents to keep an eye on their children's friends to prevent children from taking part in drug trafficking activities under peer influence.
Customs 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 in 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 hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, January 29, 2021
