Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 4 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $2.7 million at Hong Kong International Airport on November 28.

     Customs officers first inspected an air express parcel arriving in Hong Kong from France on that day and found about 1 kilogram of suspected ketamine concealed inside two packets of dog food. Then they found about 3 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed inside nine boxes of chocolates in an air mail parcel from Germany.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested two men, aged 58 and 20, suspected to be in connection with the cases in Tai Wai and Sai Ying Pun on November 29 and yesterday (November 30) respectively.

     The arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Sha Tin Magistrates' Courts and Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 2) respectively.

     Including the two abovementioned cases, Hong Kong Customs had effected four drug trafficking cases from Europe to Hong Kong via parcel or cargo over the past week. A total of about 29 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $19 million were seized. Five persons were arrested.

     Customs will maintain close contact with Hong Kong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel and express courier channels.

     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/Sunday, December 1, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:55

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