Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million.
In the first case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted at Hong Kong International Airport today, Customs officers intercepted a 43-year-old Mainland female passenger and found about 3.3 kg of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes inside her carry-on baggage. She was subsequently arrested.
In the second case, a 41-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday (October 15). During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5.5 kg of suspected cannabis buds inside his carry-on baggage. He was subsequently arrested.
The arrested woman in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of dutiable goods. The arrested man in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 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, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys 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 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 today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the first case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP announces new melioidosis case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 16) announced that one new melioidosis case was recorded in the past week (October 9 to 15). The CHP appealed to members of the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent melioidosis. The CHP also specifically reminded high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with underlying diseases, to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering infection risk.
The case involves a 74-year-old female with underlying illnesses who lived in Sham Shui Po District. On October 4, she presented with a fever and cough with sputum. On October 7, she attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre due to shortness of breath and was admitted for treatment on the same day. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. Her clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient passed away on October 8 and the cause of death is under investigation.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. An initial epidemiological investigation revealed that the case is sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. As of yesterday (October 15), nine melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Last year, 21 melioidosis cases were recorded.
According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed on the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. Where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
- Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
- Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
- Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
- Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
- Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
- Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
The Centre for Health Protection. Photo source: reference image
