Customs adopts multi-pronged tactics to combat drug trafficking at Lo Wu Control Point

23 Aug 2014

Hong Kong Customs maintains high efficiency in facilitating the legitimate flow of passengers at Lo Wu Control Point, the busiest Control Point in Hong Kong, while strictly enforcing multi-pronged tactics to combat drug trafficking.

Speaking on drug enforcement efforts at Lo Wu Control Point, the Deputy Head of Rail and Ferry Command, Mr Wong Jug-tung, said today (August 23) that officers at Lo Wu Control Point had recently seized a total of 8.2 kilogrammes of suspected dangerous drugs, valued at about $2.2 million, in three weeks. Frontline officers had to race against time while monitoring the massive passenger flow and make prompt professional judgement to identify suspected passengers for clearance procedures required.

Mr Wong said that from past experience, offenders inclined to make use of the heavy passenger traffic to shield themselves from attention of Customs staff, and employed cover-up tactics with a view to evading Customs' detection.

The persons concerned normally carried few personal belongings and appeared to look alike other passengers crossing the boundary. They tended to carry the drugs in hidden ways, among which were mainly wrapping around waist, body-packing, concealment in clothing and shoes, using different boxes or bags as disguise, or by means of hand baggages, etc.

Notwithstanding such busy passenger flow and the ever-changing mode of offences, frontline staff of Lo Wu Control Point achieved encouraging enforcement outcome with wealth of experience accumulated over time, precise risk profiling and flexible detection capabilities. This was further enhanced with the aid of advanced equipment and Customs detector dogs. With multi-pronged tactics employed, Customs staff are dedicated to strive for commitment and excellence in the execution of duties.

Mr Wong added that Hong Kong Customs would sustain the vigorous enforcement efforts against drug trafficking. He appealed to members of the public, in particular young people, not to fall prey to such illegal activities to avoid any serious consequences.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, any person who is found guilty of drug trafficking is liable to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Anyone with information about drug trafficking may report to the Hong Kong Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Saturday, August 23, 2014

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