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
KCDO receives report of suspected hacking into instant messaging application account of Sub-district Care Team
The Kowloon City District Office (KCDO) yesterday evening (February 4) received a report of suspected hacking into the instant messaging application account of a Sub-district Care Team which may have resulted in the leakage of personal data of service users.
The operating organisation of the Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team (i.e. Homantin Residents Association) reported to the KCDO yesterday evening that the instant messaging application account of Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team was suspected to have been hacked. The incident may have resulted in the leakage of personal data, including names, telephone numbers, and addresses, of 23 service users, among whom seven individuals' full or partial Hong Kong Identity Card numbers may have been exposed.
Regarding this incident, apart from informing affected service users immediately and reminding them to be vigilant, the operating organisation has also reported to the Police and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. The operating organisation is reviewing and will further strengthen its security measures. If anyone suspects a person impersonating a member of the Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team, they may contact the Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team, the KCDO or call 182 111 to verify the person's identity. In case of suspicious circumstances, please call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.
The KCDO apologises to the persons affected for any inconvenience caused and has set up a hotline (2712 9182) for enquiries. Members of the public may also visit the Care Teams' dedicated webpage (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams/fraud_prevention.htm) to learn about the anti-fraud measures. Care Teams will never ask members of the public for bank account numbers. Members and volunteers of Care Teams will wear Care Team uniforms and display Care Team member or Volunteer Certificates of Identity for identification when providing caring services. The KCDO has issued a letter to the Care Team concerned regarding the incident, requesting the Care Team for heightened vigilance and strengthened security measures and to continue to handle and keep personal data confidential strictly according to the guidelines. The Home Affairs Department has also reminded all Care Teams accordingly.
Source: AI-found images
