Hong Kong Customs seized suspected dangerous drugs at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and in Lai Chi Kok on January 16 and yesterday (January 19) respectively, including about 19.2 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.8kg of suspected methamphetamine and about 700 grams of suspected cocaine. The total estimated market value is about $14 million.
Customs officers inspected an air consignment that had arrived in Hong Kong from the Netherlands, declared as milk powder, at HKIA on January 16. A total of 32 packs of suspected ketamine were found concealed inside 24 milk powder package boxes and mix-loaded with 16 packs of milk powder.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested two men, aged 30 and 24, suspected in connection with the case in Lai Chi Kok and further seized a batch of suspected methamphetamine and suspected cocaine at a mini-storage located in an industrial building nearby.
Investigation is ongoing.
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 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.
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/Wednesday, January 20, 2021
