Hong Kong Customs Seizes 5kg Cocaine, Arrests Man at Airport, Discovers Weapons at Residence

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 22) and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and arrested a man. Afterwards, Customs officers also seized three suspected gravity-operated steel batons and two suspected controlled air pistols in the man's residential premises. The total estimated market value of the seized items was about $4 million.

A 25-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5kg of suspected cocaine concealed in the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

Later, Customs officers further seized three suspected gravity-operated steel batons and two suspected controlled air pistols in the arrested man's residence.

The investigation is ongoing.

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 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.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

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.

Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, any person found guilty of possession of arms without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.

Under the Weapons Ordinance, any person found guilty of possessing any prohibited weapon is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three years.

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).

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Three incoming passengers were sentenced to between five to seven months' imprisonment and fined $500 to $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (April 2) for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted two incoming male passengers, aged 32 and 38, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on February 3 and seized about 73 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $328,500 and a duty potential of about $241,300, from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. They were both sentenced to seven months' imprisonment and fined $500 today.

As well, Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 33, at HKIA yesterday (April 1) and seized 82 200 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $369,900 and a duty potential of about $271,700, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to five months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 today.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases