Hong Kong Customs on January 9 seized about 62 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $11 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
           
     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air consignment, declared as carrying clothing, arriving in Hong Kong from the United States. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside seven carton boxes. 

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (January 10) arrested two persons suspected to be connected with the case in Kwai Chung. They comprised a 41-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man. 

     An investigation is ongoing.

     With the Lunar New Year holidays approaching, Customs believes that the local demand for drugs will be increased. The department will therefore further step up enforcement action to fiercely combat different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

     Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Ordinance), cannabis and THC are classified as dangerous drugs. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of those products.
           
     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/Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:05

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