Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.95 kilograms of suspected ketamine and 690 grams of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $2.31 million at Hong Kong International Airport on February 21 and today (March 1).

     Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel from Germany on February 21 and found the batch of suspected ketamine concealed in five food packing boxes in the parcel.  After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (February 28) arrested two men suspected to be in connection with the case in Kowloon Bay.  

     The arrested men, aged 27 and 33, have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 2).

     Also, a 47-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday night. The man was found to be suspicious upon Customs clearance and was escorted to hospital for examination. The man discharged about 690 grams of suspected cocaine today. He was then arrested by Customs officers. 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, March 1, 2019
Issued at HKT 20:33

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