Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (May 25) cracked a drug-trafficking case at the Airport, leading to the seizure from an incoming Malaysian man 2.64 kg ketamine.
At 1.20 pm yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a Malaysian man, who had arrived from Kuala Lumpur. After a search, 2.64 kg high-graded ketamine was found being concealed in food packets, toothpaste tubes and containers of personal hygiene products in a piece of luggage.
The seized ketamine could fetch about $620,000 if retailed in the market.
Investigation showed that the dangerous drugs were intended for sale in Shenzhen and neighbouring regions.
The 34-year-old Malaysian man was arrested. He will be charged with "trafficking in a dangerous drug" and brought to Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts for mention tomorrow (May 27).
"Vigorous enforcement by Hong Kong and Mainland law enforcement agencies has led to the shortage of ketamine supply. Meanwhile, our investigation shows that there is an emerging trend of smuggling ketamine into Hong Kong and the Mainland from Southeast Asian countries," a spokesman of Customs and Excise Department said today (May 26).
"Up till now in 2005, Customs officers have seized 151 kg ketamine (including seizure of this case), comparing to the total of 4.8 kg in 2004."
"Hong Kong Customs will continue taking stringent enforcement actions to crack down on drugs trafficking, and maintaining close liaison with overseas law enforcement agencies to step up intelligence exchange," he added.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Thursday, May 26, 2005