Hong Kong Customs Seizes 6kg of Suspected Cannabis and Arrests Passenger at Airport for Drug Trafficking

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (April 15) and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million, and 91 duty-not-paid cigarettes.

A 31-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags, and the duty-not-paid cigarettes in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

After an investigation, the arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 17).

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.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two 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).

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (April 15) and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million, and 91 duty-not-paid cigarettes. Photo shows the arrested person (centre) involved in the case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (April 15) and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million, and 91 suspected duty-not-paid cigarettes. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds and duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme

The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Passing-out Parade for the 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme at its headquarters today (April 19). The parade was reviewed by the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam.

Speaking at the Parade, Dr Lam said that the Department of Health (DH) has maintained close co-operation with the CAS over the years. Reflecting on history, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and human swine influenza to COVID-19, the CAS has provided crucial support in managing quarantine and isolation centres. Last November, the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, along with the CAS and multiple government departments, conducted a public health exercise codenamed "Amethyst" to test the response capabilities in handling Ebola cases and to strengthen interdepartmental arrangements and co-ordination. These exercises and preventive measures are key to enhancing overall epidemic prevention capabilities and ensuring a swift and orderly response in the event of a major infectious disease outbreak.

He said that from a public health perspective, comprehensive emergency preparedness directly affects the lives and health of citizens. The professional training received by CAS members in first aid, search and rescue, crisis management, and epidemic prevention support enables them to take immediate emergency actions at incident scenes. At the community level, they also assist in promoting disaster prevention and health awareness, enhancing the overall resilience of the population. It is this professionalism and selfless dedication that form the solid foundation of urban safety and health, he said.

During the ceremony, Dr Lam presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques, showcasing the outcomes of their training.

A total of 72 recruits and 50 officers and members from the Tactical Force Secondment Scheme participated in the passing-out parade, with many graduates coming from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence), and will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.

Recruitment of CAS officers and members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.html).

Source: AI-found images