​Hong Kong Customs on August 22 and yesterday (August 23) detected two dangerous drugs cases at Hong Kong International Airport and Ma On Shan and seized a total of about 30 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and about 1.2kg of suspected cocaine, with a total estimated market value of about $8.14 million.  

     In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs on August 22 inspected a batch of air cargo consignment declared as carrying down jackets and arriving in Hong Kong from the United States. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that nine out of 19 carton boxes concealed a total of about 30kg of suspected cannabis buds. The estimated market value of the drugs was about $7.2 million. 

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday mounted controlled delivery operations in Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals and San Po Kong, and arrested two men, aged 43 and 42, suspected to be connected with the case.

     In the second case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Ma On Shan at nightfall yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. About 1.2kg of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $940,000 was found inside a recycle bag carried by the man. The duo was then arrested.

     Investigations of the two cases are ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     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 in and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people. Young people should especially pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they will not be caught.

     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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Ends/Thursday, August 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:25

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