Hong Kong Customs detected two trafficking drugs cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport today (June 15), and seized a total of about 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 5kg of suspected ketamine with a total estimated market value of about $2.7 million. Two men were arrested.
In the first case, a 24 year-old non-local male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 4.5kg of suspected cannabis buds camouflaged as snacks concealed in his carry-on backpack and one stick of duty-not-paid cigarette was also found inside his carry-on baggage. The man was then arrested.
In the second case, a 52 year-old non-local male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5kg of suspected ketamine concealed in the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.
Investigations of the two cases are ongoing.
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 (DCO), 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).
