Customs Commissioner Celebrates New Officers at Hong Kong Customs College Passing-out Parade

Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, attended the Passing-out Parade for the 145th-146th Inspector Induction Courses and the 508th-510th Customs Officer Induction Courses at the Hong Kong Customs College today (February 6) to inspect 22 Probationary Customs Inspectors and 60 Probationary Customs Officers on parade.

All passing-out officers adopted the Chinese-style foot drill to form the patterns of the "sword and key" of the Customs crest, the characters representing the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and a pattern of a horse, symbolising that Hong Kong Customs will fully support the HKSAR Government in proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and integrating into and contributing to the overall national development. The patterns also served as wishes of every success and prosperity for the country and Hong Kong, as well as good health for all guests in the Year of the Horse.

Speaking at the passing-out parade, Mr Chan said Hong Kong Customs' role has evolved from a traditional law enforcement agency into a multifaceted trade facilitator and economic development promoter to enable Hong Kong to better align with the country's development, and fulfil its role as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder".

He added that Customs has undertaken numerous new enforcement duties and introduced various innovative trade facilitation measures. The successful implementation of these initiatives is a testament to officers' collective effort and people-oriented professionalism. He expressed his hope that the passing-out officers will carry on this fine tradition and outshine their predecessors.

Lastly, Mr Chan encouraged the passing-out officers to continue learning, embrace changes, be innovative, and stay curious. They should also have the courage to step out of their comfort zone. In addition, he encouraged the passing-out officers to exercise probity and prudence in exercising authority, and inherit and promote the excellent legacy of integrity of Customs.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $3.4 million

Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Hong Kong International Airport and Yau Ma Tei respectively on April 1 and yesterday (April 2), and seized a total of about 3.1 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 1.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of about $3.4 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, a 43-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand on April 1. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 3.1 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed inside food packaging in his baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Yau Ma Tei on April 2, Customs officers intercepted a 41-year-old man and later escorted him to a hotel room nearby for a search and seized about 1.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine, about 1.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, a drug inhaling apparatus and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested persons have been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug respectively and will appear at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 4).

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, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

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 two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $3.4 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $3.4 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $3.4 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases