Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of about $810,000 in two cases at Hong Kong International Airport and Lok Ma Chau Control Point on March 17 and 27 respectively.
In the first case, Customs officers inspected an air postal parcel that arrived from Malaysia at Hong Kong International Airport on March 17 and seized about 1kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $540,000 concealed under coffee powder packages.
Subsequent to follow-up investigations, Customs officers arrested a 26-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case on April 2 in Ap Lei Chau. The man has been released on bail pending investigation.
In the second case, Customs officers found a Malaysian parcel on board an in-bound lorry at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on March 27. About 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $270,000 was seized inside the carton box interlining of the parcel.
Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of a 38-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case on April 3 in Lai Chi Kok. The man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on April 6.
Customs will maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel or express courier channels.
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 the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Saturday, April 4, 2020
