Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 19) seized about 3 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.1 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
A 28-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartments of his backpack. The man was then arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
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 Lunar New Year with a view to combating 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/Monday, January 20, 2020
