Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 7.9 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of $3.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport on February 17 and yesterday (February 20).

     Customs officers inspected an air parcel from Thailand on February 17 and found about 75 grams of suspected ketamine concealed inside a handbag in the parcel.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a man suspected to be in connection with the case in Sham Tseng.

     The arrested man, aged 15, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 22).

     Also, a male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand yesterday. During Customs clearance, 13 plastic bottles containing suspected liquid ketamine weighed about 7.9 kilograms in total were found inside his baggage.The 31-year-old man was then arrested. 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.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2019
Issued at HKT 22:39

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