Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming air passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (January 23) and seized about five kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.7 million.
The case involved a 21-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine in his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
After an investigation, the arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and the case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 24).
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.
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
