Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 29) detected two passenger drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport. About 3 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and 4.5 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine with an estimated market value of about $7 million were seized in total.
A female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia via Bangkok, Thailand yesterday. During customs clearance, about 3 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine was found concealed inside three tea packages in her check-in baggage and a set of suspected drug-inhaling apparatus was also seized from her personal belonging. She was then arrested.
Also, three male passengers arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands via Qatar, Germany and Turkey respectively yesterday. During customs clearance, a total of three liquor bottles containing about 4.5 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine found inside their check-in suitcases were seized. They were then arrested.
The arrested woman involved in the case of trafficking in suspected methamphetamine has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 2). The investigation regarding the suspected liquid cocaine case is ongoing.
Customs will continue to apply risk assessment strategy to select outbound, inbound and transit passengers for clearance to intercept different kinds of 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, March 1, 2020
