Hong Kong Customs detects two incoming passenger drug trafficking cases at airport
Hong Kong Customs on July 19 and 20 detected two incoming passenger drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine and 7kg of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) with a total estimated market value of about $2 million. Three persons were arrested.
In the first case, Customs on July 19 intercepted at the airport a 48-year-old male passenger and a 25-year-old female passenger, who arrived in Hong Kong from Conakry, Guinea via Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, for Customs clearance. During clearance, Customs officers suspected that they had dangerous drugs concealed inside their body cavities. They were then escorted to the hospital for examination.
Upon examination, it was confirmed that foreign objects were concealed inside the two persons' body cavities and they were arrested immediately. As at 3pm today (July 21), the arrested persons have excreted 97 pellets of suspected cocaine weighing about 1kg in total. The estimated market value was about $700,000.
In the second case, Customs on July 20 intercepted at the airport a 57-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Paris, France. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 7kg of suspected MDMA, with an estimated market value of about $1.3 million, concealed inside some bed sheets and the false compartments of his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The three arrested persons have been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 22).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects two incoming passenger drug trafficking cases at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two incoming passenger drug trafficking cases at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
