Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 3.5 kilograms of suspected heroin and about 810 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.6 million in total at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (March 9) and today (March 10).
A 42-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Conakry, Guinea via Dubai, the United Arab Emirates yesterday. During inspection, about 470g of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside her vagina. She was then arrested.
Also, Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted a joint operation yesterday and intercepted a 53-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. Upon examination on her check-in suitcase, about 3.5kg of suspected heroin was found concealed inside 12 cup noodles packages. The woman was then arrested.
The two arrested women have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Shatin Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 11).
Also, Customs officers intercepted a 35-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia for examination today. About 340g of suspected cocaine was found concealed beneath the underpants and underneath the insole of the shoes worn by him. He was then arrested. Investigation 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/Tuesday, March 10, 2020
