************************************************************
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 2) and today (September 3) foiled two drug trafficking attempts by air passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport and seized 3 100 grammes of cocaine with an estimated value of $3 million.
Customs Officers yesterday afternoon intercepted a male passenger and seized 1 500 grammes of cocaine at the Customs Arrival Hall. The arrestee, aged 28, claimed to be unemployed.
Customs Officers today afternoon intercepted a female passenger and seized 1 600 grammes of cocaine at the Customs Arrival Hall. The arrestee, aged 27, claimed to be a teacher.
Both arrestees arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, had the drugs concealed in the metal handles and plastic wheels of the four suitcases they were carrying. It was believed that the concealment method was used to evade customs officers' detection.
They will each be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court tomorrow (September 4) and on September 5 respectively.
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.
Ends/Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:47
NNNN