HKSAR Government lodges strong protest against forceful takeover of two ports by Panamanian government
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (February 24) lodged a strong protest with the Consul General of Panama in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government expressed strong dissatisfaction with and opposition to the Panamanian government's forceful takeover yesterday (February 23) of the two Panamanian ports operated by Hutchison Ports Panama Ports Company and the termination of its operating rights, which undermines the spirit of contracts. The HKSAR Government stressed that it is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong enterprises overseas.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Photo source: reference image
A Government spokesman reiterated that the earlier ruling made by the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama, which declared the operation of the two Panamanian ports by the company concerned unconstitutional, disregarded facts and breached faith.The company concerned had already initiated and commenced arbitration proceedings. However, the forceful takeover of the two ports by the Panamanian government yesterday gravely damaged the legitimate rights and interests of the Hong Kong enterprise and undermined the spirit of contracts. The HKSAR Government condemns such a blatant act.
The HKSAR Government urged the Panamanian government again to respect the spirit of contracts and provide a fair and just business environment for companies operating legally there, ensuring that the legitimate rights of enterprises are free from any interference. Hong Kong enterprises operating and investing in Panama should receive fair and reasonable treatment and protection.
The spokesman stressed that the company concerned has made vast investments in Panama and created abundant jobs over the years.The ruling and the unjust action by the Panamanian government have sabotaged Panama's creditworthiness and gravely undermined international trade rules.
Photo source: AP News
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (May 26) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 18kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $8.85 million. Two men were arrested.
The first case involved a 62-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market of about $2 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The second case involved a 58-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market of about $6.85 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 27). For the second case, an 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 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 two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
