Sick remand person in custody dies in public hospital
A sick 70-year-old male remand person in custody at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre died in a public hospital today (February 5).
The Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, Photo source: reference image
The remand person in custody suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He required continuous medical care and follow-up at the institution hospital and a public hospital. On January 23, he was sent to a public hospital for treatment due to physical discomfort. During hospitalisation, his condition deteriorated, and he was certified dead at 3.49 am today.
The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.
The person in custody was remanded for the offence of rape in December 2025.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (February 5) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.9 million, as well as 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes.
A 47-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Ko Samui, Thailand, today (February 5). During customs clearance, suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 4.5 kg in total, and 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were found inside his baggage. The male was subsequently arrested.
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 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 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 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 cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
