Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 2) detected two cases of drug trafficking by passengers from the same flight at Hong Kong International Airport. About 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $4 million were seized in total.
Two male passengers arrived in Hong Kong on the same flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. During customs clearance, about 3.2kg of suspected cocaine were found concealed inside the false compartment of a checked-in suitcase of the first male passenger.
As well, Customs officers suspected the second male passenger to have dangerous drugs concealed inside his body cavity. He was escorted to hospital for examination and later discharged about 800 grams of suspected cocaine.
The two persons connected with the cases were arrested and have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 4).
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance. The department will also further step up enforcement actions before the Chinese New Year holiday with a view to combat transnational drug trafficking activities effectively.
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 3, 2020
