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Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.25 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth about $1.3 million at the Hong Kong International Airport today (November 20) and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The male passenger arrived at Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa via Doha, Qatar. The briefcase carried by him was emptied during customs clearance, but was still abnormally heavy. In-depth examination led to the discovery of two slabs of suspected cocaine concealed inside the false compartment of the briefcase.
The arrested man, aged 38 and claimed to be a website designer, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court tomorrow (November 21).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Friday, November 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:11
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