Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 28) seized about 2.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Toronto, Canada, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. The man was then arrested.
The arrested man, aged 69, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 30).
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance. The department has also further stepped up enforcement action during the 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/Wednesday, January 29, 2020
