Hong Kong Customs has stepped up enforcement to crack down on cross-boundary and transnational drug trafficking at all boundary control points, including the airport, during the Lunar New Year.
Over the past three days, Customs officers seized about 8 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 5.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis resin and 2 kilograms of suspected ketamine with a market value of about $ 9.4 million.
The first case involved an incoming female passenger arriving Hong Kong from Dubai, United Arab Emirates on February 5. Customs officers found two biscuit cans and four tea cans inside her hand-carry suitcase. In-depth examination led to the discovery of 141 pellets of suspected cocaine with a total weight of about 2.7 kilograms. The arrested woman aged 36, and claimed to be a businesswoman.
The second case involved an incoming male passenger arriving Hong Kong from Kolkata, India via Singapore yesterday (February 6). During baggage examination, Customs officers found some foodstuff packages and toothpaste in two carton boxes. In-depth examination led to the discovery of about 5.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis resin concealed in 14 packs of foodstuff and 21 pieces of toothpaste tubes. The arrested man aged 27, and claimed to be a tailor.
The third case involved an incoming female passenger arriving Hong Kong from Cebu, Philippines today (February 7). Upon search on her suitcase, about 5.3 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside shoes, folders and handbags. The arrested woman aged 28, and claimed to be a merchant.
The incoming male passenger of the fourth case was intercepted for Customs clearance at Lok Ma Chau Control Point today. Upon personal search, about 2 kilograms of suspected ketamine was found. The arrested man aged 30, and claimed to be a decoration worker.
The four arrested persons were each charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court tomorrow (February 8).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Sunday, February 7, 2016
