Customs officers at the Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (March 17) seized from a Malaysian woman a total of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated market value of $1.2 million.

The woman had flown from Brazil via South Africa.

During examination of the woman¡¦s baggage, Customs officers uncovered cocaine hidden in a pair of tight underpants, and five pellets of cocaine inside a paper bag. They also found two packets of cocaine concealed in a pair of sneakers.

Suspecting that there might be internal concealment of dangerous drugs, Customs officers sent the woman to hospital for examination, and two more pellets of cocaine were discharged.

The woman was later charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 19).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Customs officers at the Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (March 17) seized from a Malaysian woman a total of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated market value of $1.2 million.

Ends/Tuesday, March 18, 2008