Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 1) detected two cases of drug trafficking by passengers at Hong Kong International Airport. About 11 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $7.2 million were seized in total.
A male passenger and a female passenger arrived in Hong Kong on the same flight from Paris, France on yesterday. During customs clearance, about 11kg of suspected ketamine were found concealed inside the false compartments of their checked-in suitcases.
Also, a male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa was intercepted by Customs officers for examination. About 1kg of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartments of the shoes worn by him. The three passengers were then arrested.
The two arrestees involved in the case of trafficking in suspected ketamine have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The arrestee involved in the case of trafficking in suspected cocaine has also been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The two cases will be brought up at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 3).
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
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/Sunday, February 2, 2020
