Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 8) smashed a drug distribution syndicate in Tsuen Wan. During the operation, Customs officers seized about 131 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $21.5 million. This is a record high in quantity for a seizure of cannabis buds by Hong Kong Customs in the past decade.

     In early 2017, the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau commenced an investigation into a local drug trafficking syndicate. An operation was then mounted last Saturday (May 6), during which a logistics company located in an industrial building on Wang Lung Street in Tsuen Wan was raided.

     Customs officers found a sea-based consignment from North America declared as personal effects in the logistics company. Upon examination, about 131 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds were seized. Customs officers continued their surveillance and arrested three local men who went to collect the consignment yesterday (May 8). The arrested persons were aged 26, 41 and 60. Two of them claimed to be unemployed and the other one claimed to be a transportation worker. Investigation is ongoing.

     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.

Ends/Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:15

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