Hong Kong Customs on May 6 and yesterday (May 16) seized about 200 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 350 grams of suspected heroin at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and in Sham Shui Po respectively. The total estimated market value was over $86 million. Five men suspected to be in connection with the case were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on May 6 inspected an airborne consignment, declared as carrying drills, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands via Taipei at an air cargo terminal in HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $86 million, inside eight carton boxes.
Customs officers arrested two men, aged 37 and 23, suspected to be connected with the case at HKIA on the same day. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers searched three residential premises in Sham Shui Po yesterday. About 350g of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $360,000, a small quantity of other drugs (including ketamine, ecstasy, cannabis buds and methamphetamine), a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia and a batch of banknotes valued at about HK$640,000 were seized. Three men aged between 44 and 62 suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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, May 17, 2022
