Hong Kong Customs detects largest-ever seaborne drug trafficking case of suspected cannabis buds with estimated market value reaching $125 million
Hong Kong Customs on September 2 detected the largest-ever seaborne drug trafficking case at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound and seized about 535 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value reaching $125 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs officers selected a 40-foot seaborne container, declared as carrying insulated boxes and arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand, for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found 1 342 insulated boxes inside the container, of which 364 boxes concealed a total of about 535kg of suspected cannabis buds. The batch of suspected cannabis buds was packed in vacuum bags and concealed inside the insulated boxes.
Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested two local men, aged 21 and 47, in Mong Kok on September 17. A 44-year-old Vietnamese man who arrived to collect the consignment was also arrested on the same day.
The two arrested local men have been released on bail pending further investigation, while the arrested Vietnamese man has been charged with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on September 21.
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 on September 2 detected a large-scale seaborne drug trafficking case and seized about 535 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $125 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds which were concealed inside the insulated boxes. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Special offers announced in celebration of 77th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China
October 1 this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Government and different sectors of the community will launch a rich array of special offers and activities, covering public transport; culture, arts and leisure; as well as dining and consumption, to celebrate the National Day with the public.
For public transport, the MTR will give away 77 000 e-single-journey rides through a lucky draw on October 1. Members of the public can also enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes and several ferry routes of the Star Ferry and Fortune Ferry on that day, while children using designated payment methods can ride most daytime franchised bus routes of KMB, Long Win Bus, Citybus and New Lantao Bus for free. Moreover, Greater Bay Airlines will provide ticket offers, under which people can purchase flight tickets of all non-charter routes at 77 per cent of the original fare during the promotion period.
For culture, arts and leisure, all commercial cinemas will provide half-price discounts on movie tickets on October 1. The public will also be offered free admission on the same day to a number of fee-charging leisure facilities and exhibitions in museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Furthermore, the Antiquities and Monuments Office, 14 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, Police Museum, Tai Kwun and PMQ will roll out various offers, including additional free guided tours.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will hold the National Day Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse on October 1, during which members of the public can enter the Public Enclosures of Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses for free. Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong will offer ticket discounts. The Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will give out souvenirs to ticket holders while stocks last.
As for dining and consumption, initially over 2 000 restaurants and merchants will provide dining offers on October 1. Several public markets under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch different offers. Members of the public can also purchase designated products at 77 per cent of the original price via the Hong Kong Harvest physical store, online store or mobile app from October 1 to 7. The Environmental Protection Department will offer double GREEN$ Points to members of the public who recycle at its community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY on October 1. The Police Souvenir Gallery, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, HKTDC Design Gallery, as well as various shopping malls and department stores will roll out offers on dining, consumption, parking, etc.
The Government thanks various sectors for actively responding to its call by launching special offers and activities to celebrate the 77th National Day with the public together. Information about the offers and activities is now available on the dedicated website (www.nationalday77.gov.hk).
Source: AI-found images
