Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.54 kilograms of suspected cocaine with a market value of about $1.57 million at the Air Mail Centre of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on March 6.

     Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel that arrived from Brazil declared as containing "metal spare parts" at the HKIA's Air Mail Centre. Upon examination, about 1.54kg of cocaine was found concealed within hollow spaces of the metal spare parts. Subsequent to follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a man in Yuen Long yesterday (March 23).

     The man, aged 32 and claiming to be unemployed, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up for remand at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 25).

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Ends/Friday, March 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:10

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