Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 16) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.4 million.
A 21-year-old Filipino male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 18).
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.
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 seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai
Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.
Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the members of the District Council, residents, and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones,and to combat "cheap whites".
Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
