Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected etomidate worth about $14 million
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 3) conducted an anti-narcotic operation in Tsuen Wan and Ngau Tau Kok and seized about 15 kilograms of suspected etomidate with an estimated market value of about $14 million. A 46-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.
Customs officers intercepted a 46-year-old man who was holding a suitcase in Tsuen Wan yesterday afternoon. After examination, about 15 kg of suspected etomidate was found concealed inside a batch of food packages inside the suitcase. The man was then arrested.
Customs officers later escorted the man to his residence in Ngau Tau Kok for a search, and further seized about 1 gram of suspected etomidate and 2 sets of suspected drug inhaling apparatus inside the premises.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on May 6.
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.
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.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected etomidate worth about $14 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
